WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1  
2 February 2016  
(16-0708)  Page: 1/68  
Trade Policy Review Body 
17 and 19 November 2015 Original: English/anglais/inglés  
Spanish/espagnol/español  
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
JORDAN  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING 
Addendum 
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Atanas Atanassov Paparizov (Bulgaria) 
This document contains the advance written questions and additional questions by WTO 
Members, and replies provided by Jordan.1 
 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales 
17 et 19 novembre 2015 
EXAMEN DES POLITIQUES COMMERCIALES 
JORDANIE  
COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION 
Addendum 
Président: S.E. M. Atanas Atanassov Paparizov (Bulgarie) 
Le présent document contient les questions écrites communiquées à l'avance par les 
Membres de l'OMC, leurs questions additionnelles, et les réponses fournies par Jordanie.1 
 
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales 
17 y 19 de noviembre de 2015 
EXAMEN DE LAS POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES 
JORDANIA  
ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN 
Addendum 
Presidente: Excmo. Sr. Atanas Atanassov Paparizov (Bulgaria) 
En el presente documento figuran las preguntas presentadas anticipadamente por escrito y 
las preguntas adicionales de los Miembros de la OMC, así como las respuestas facilitadas por 
Jordania.1 
                                               
1 In English and Spanish only./En  anglais et espagnol seulement./En inglés y español solamente. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 2 - 
 
  REPLIES TO THE EUROPEAN UNION 
 
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME 2.4 Trade Agreements and Arrangements 
2.4.2 Regional and bilateral agreements an d 2.4.3 Other preferen tial arrangements 
Page 22  
E U  q u e s t i o n  N o  1 :  I n  v i e w  o f  J o r d a n ' s  p a r t i c i p a t i o n  i n  a  n u m b e r  o f  r e g i o n a l  a n d  b i l a t e r a l  
preferential trade agreements, could Jordan elaborate on perspectives for further deepening trade 
relations with its neighbouring countries in genera l and with other member countries of the Agadir 
Agreement in particular? 
 
Jordan seeks to promote its trade relations wi thin the region. Currently, GAFTA members are 
discussing closer trade relations in services to boost regional integration. Expanding the scope of 
Agadir Agreement to cover trade in services is also under consideration by members, in addition to 
considering the accession of new Arab countries to the Aghadir agreement.  
2.5 Investment Regime 
Paragraph 2.20, page 26  The EU has noted with interest the WB Doing Bu siness report of 2015 and the ranking of Jordan 
for ease of doing business as well as the one of the World Economic Forum. We also noted that 
Jordan has adopted a new investment law in 2014 facilitating investment procedures and that, for 
certain sectors, FDI restrictions are in place.    
EU question No 2: The EU would like to know more about the rationale of these restrictions in 
particular those related to trade activities (such as distribution of goods and services) and services 
(such as professional services) as well as the FDI prohibitions in place in certain sectors, such as 
for instance passenger and freight road transport services, sports clubs or real estate. 
 A: Jordan has undertaken extensive commitments  under GATS that have provided for full 
ownership of foreign investors in sectors such  as Banking, Telecommunications, insurance, 
education and health services. The Non- Jordanian investment regulation is currently being 
reviewed.   
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE 
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports 3.1.1 Customs procedures valuation and rules of origin 
Paragraph 3.5, page 31 
According to the report "customs declarations may be made either by the owners of the goods (or their authorized representatives), or by licensed customs agents. No foreign firms may import goods without appointing an agent registered in Jordan."   
 
EU question No 3: Could Jordan explain what is meant by 'foreign firms'?  
 
A: to be provided later 
 
3.1.2.3 Tariff exemptions and reductions 
Paragraph 3.20, page 38 
According to the report, goods imported into Jo rdan, on which customs duties and other taxes 
were not collected, must be re-exported, or used in the free-trade zone or the Aqaba Special 
Economic Zone. Goods imported by specific stat e-owned enterprises and non-profit organizations 
are also exempted from import duties. The Investment Law No.30 of 2014 regulates situations where exemptions may be applied to import duties (section 3.4.1).   
EU questions Nos 4 and 5: Could Jordan clarify whether this provision means that all goods 
(including agricultural products) imported into Jordan duty free, can only be used in the free-trade 
zone or have to be re-exported? Could Jordan cl arify how they monitor that such duty free goods 
are not sold on the internal market? 
 
A: In respect of goods within the Free zones, all goods including agricultural products imported 
into Jordan duty free zones are under customs control and are tracked whether they are re-
exported or consumed within the free zones.  WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 3 - 
 
  Standards and other technical requirements  
Paragraph 3.1.6, page 42 Standards legislation and conformity assessment procedures are fundamental for product safety and consumer protection, as well as facilitation of trade of industrial goods. Concerning horizontal 
legislation in this area the EU notes that the amendment law on standards and metrology is 
waiting for discussion in the Parliament while the draft accreditation law has been withdrawn for redrafting.  
 
EU question No 6: Given the importance of th ese pieces of legislation for the regulatory 
approximation between Jordan and its international trade partners, the EU would like to know what 
is the current situation of Jordan's reforms in this area and what are the steps the government has 
decided to take in order to accelerate discussion and adoption of these texts as well as any related 
secondary texts and technical regulations.   
A: The Amendment of the Law no. 22/2000 on St andards and Metrology was endorsed by the 
Parliament and published in the official gazette on 02 August 2015.  In addition, a Bylaw on Accreditation no. 18/ 2015 was approved by Cabinet and  issued in the official Gazette on  18 
October 2015 to give the accreditation the needed impartiality and independence. Other horizontal 
legislation are draft Instructions on Market Surveillance, draft Instructions on Accreditation, draft Instructions on Conformity Assessment procedur es and draft Instructions on Designation and 
Notification of Conformity Assessment Bodies, which will be endorsed upon the inclusion of 
comments from relevant stakeholders . 
 The Draft General Product Safety Instructions ar e ready for publication based on Amendment Law 
no. 22/2000 on Standards and Metrology. 
 
3.1.6.2 Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements 
Page 44 
Jordan has stated that in the area of SPS requirements the country follows international standards in food safety as well as animal and plant health. Until August 2015 Jordan made several 
notifications to the WTO of sanitary and phytosanitary measures taken mainly in the form of 
temporary import bans.  
 EU questions Nos 7 and 8: Could Jordan inform whether any temporary ban for poultry and poultry 
products is currently in place? Should it be the case, could Jordan clarify the reasons for their application as well as the envisaged timing for their elimination? 
 
A: With regards to EU member countries (Italy , Netherlands, Hungary and United Kingdom) the 
temporary ban of poultry and poultry products will be officially lifted except for Germany in which the import is suspended only from zones that ha ve registered cases the ban will be lifted after 
three months from resolving the case according to OIE standards, on 3/12/2015 unless new cases 
are registered.
 
 
3.1.7 Government procurement 
Page 47 The EU has noted the complexity of the Jordanian government procurement system as well as the limiting factors for the participation of foreign firms in certain activities such as public works and 
technical services. Furthermore, Jordan has sto pped its GPA accession process pending finalization 
and adoption of its new unified procurement by-law.   
EU question No 9: Could Jordan clarify what is th e status of this reform and the anticipated timing 
for the adoption of the new legislation and what implications will this have for Jordan's GPA 
accession? 
 
A: Jordan is continuing its efforts in the field of procurement reforms. The new draft legislation is 
still under review by the Legislative Bureau at  the Prime Ministry and relevant government 
authorities. The draft legislation harmonises procurement procedures in all ministries, government agencies, and institutions; as well as harmonizing procurement procedures pertaining to public works, goods and services, with the exception of some Procured Items  
 
  WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 4 - 
 
  3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports 
3.2.2 Export fees Page 49  The EU  notes that Jordan applies a regime of export fees for a number of certain mining and 
quarrying row materials as well as a number of manufactured products.  
 EU question No 10: What is the rationale of these fees for the concerned products?  
 A: This is according to the Quarries fees bylaw No. 86 for the year 1986. Article 4 indicated that 
any exports of quarrying raw materials shall be subject to fees.  The fees aim at sustaining natural recources.  
 
3.3.3 Competition policy and price controls 3.3.3.1 Competition policy 
Table 3.20, page 58 
 EU questions Nos 11 to 13: Under abuse of dominant position, it is stated that below cost pricing is 
not prohibited for perishable goods, liquidations and sales. Could Jordan clarify whether below cost prices are prohibited for all other types of goods and services and in situations other than liquidations and sales? If yes, does the prohibition only apply to dominant firms, or to all firms? What is the justification for the prohibition? 
 
A: Below cost pricing for perishable goods, liquidations and sales stated under Practices Detrimental to the Fairness of Commercial Transactions (Article 8). 
 
Article 6 : “An Enterprise with a Dominant Position in the local market or a significant part thereof 
is prohibited from abusing this Dominant Position in order to prevent, limit or weaken competition 
including the following: 
 b- An activity or action which leads to setting barriers of entry of other enterprises to the market, or their elimination there from, or their exposure to gross losses including loss selling.” 
 
Article 8: “Practices Detrimental to the Fairness of Commercial Transactions 
A producer, importer, wholesaler or service provider may not: 
 
B-  1- The resale of a product as is at a price below its actual purchase price plus the taxes and charges and transport costs applicable thereto, if any,  is prohibited if the purpose of such a sale is 
to limit competition. 
     2- For the purpose of this paragraph, the actual purchase price shall mean the price set in the invoice after deduction of the discounts specifie d in the same invoice. The aforementioned 
restriction shall not apply to perishable goods and allowed reductions on sales for the purpose of 
liquidation of a business, or to restock at lower prices.”  
EU question No 14: Mergers have to be notified if a 40% market share threshold is exceeded. 
Please explain how the market share should be calculated.  
 
A: (Article 9 b) For completing the economic concentration operations, which would be of effect on 
the level of competition in the market by either realizing or reinforcing a Dominant Position, it is stipulated to obtain the approval of the Minister in writing, in case that the total share of the Enterprise or Enterprises concerned in the econom ic concentration operation exceeds (40%) of the 
total transactions in the market; 
 The market share shall be calculated based on the sales of the last financial year of the concerned 
companies, and if this was not possible, certain reliable data will be used . 
 EU questions Nos 15 and 16: The Competition Directorate has the power to monitor notified 
mergers. What does this monitoring entail? Do es the Competition Directorate or the Judicial 
Council have the power to prohibit proposed mergers or make them subject to conditions?  WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 5 - 
 
  A: According to article (11) of the competition law: “The Minister may, upon a submission made by 
the Director(competition Director), issue a justified decision on requests submitted by virtue of the 
provisions of Article (10) hereof as follows:  
1-Approve the economic concentration operation in case the same does not adversely affect the 
competition, or has positive economic effects th at outweigh any adverse effect on competition, 
such as that the same results in lowering of the price of services or commodities, creating job 
opportunities, encouraging export, attracting investment, or supporting the capacities of national 
Enterprises to internationally compete.  2-Approve the economic concentration operatio n provided that the concerned Enterprises 
undertake to implement the conditions specified by the Minister for that purpose. 
 3- Disapprove the economic concentration operation and issue a decision on termination thereof 
and the return to the status quo ante.” 
 Paragraph 3.117, page 59  
 
EU questions No 17: How does Jordan ensure th e operational independence of the Competition 
Directorate? Are decisions in competition cases adopted by the Judicial Council subject to appeal? 
 
A: According to article (12) of the competition law The Directorate, in coordination with the 
concerned entities, shall assume the following duties and powers:  
1. To gather information to detect the practi ces that violate the rules of competition, in 
cooperation with the concerned authorities within the provisions of the laws in effect; 2. To conduct investigations in the practices it detects, on the basis of complaints and claims 
that it receives, or those assigned to it by th e competent courts, and to prepare reports on the 
findings thereof and presenting submissions or reports to the Minister or the Court, as the case may be; 3. To receive and follow up requests related to economic concentration operations and to 
prepare reports, submissions and draft decisions thereon; 
4. To accept and follow up the requests for exemption and to make submissions with respect thereof; 
5. To issue explanatory opinions on matters related to the activities thereof, either 
spontaneously or upon the request of the Enterprises; 6. To contributing to drawing up the general pl an of competition and legislations and studies 
related thereto; 
7. To work on promoting the culture of competition, and protecting and encouraging the same 8. To seek the assistance of experts or consultants from outside the Ministry to accomplish any activities within the competences thereof; 
9. To cooperate with peer bodies outside th e Kingdom for the purposes of exchange of 
information and data, as well as matters related to the execution of competition rules within the limitations permitted by international treaties on a basis of reciprocity. 
 
Decisions of the Court in cases related to competition shall be appealable before the Court of Appeal and the Court of Cassation. 
 
Paragraph 3.118, page 59  
 EU questions No 18: It seems that the Competitio n Directorate is underfunded. Does Jordan have 
any plans to increase the budget of the competition Directorate?  
 A: Allocating an annual budget for the Competitio n Directorate within the ministry's budget takes 
into account the annual work plan and the projects to be implemented during the year. The 
Directorate is in need for technical assistance and capacity building.  
 
3.3.5 Intellectual property rights 
Page 63  The EU notes with satisfaction the ratification by  Jordan of a series of important international 
treaties in the area of protection of IPRs as well  as the adoption of related legislation. Jordan has 
also made important efforts in the area of customs enforcement of IPRs. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 6 - 
 
  EU question No 19: The EU would like to get more information on the way the management of 
IPRs is organised within the IPR directorate of MITS and whether Jordan has the intention to 
create an independent Patent and Trademark Office. A: At the time being, creating an independent Pa tent and Trademark Office is not envisaged. The 
IPR Directorate operates pursuant to relevant IP laws. 
 EU question No 20: the EU would like also to  know more about the non-exclusive licence for 
translation of copyrighted works issued by th e Minister of Culture (§3.39) and the authors 
compensation; also on the nature of legal cases in itiated by the Copyright Office of the National 
Library (§ 3.141) and in particular its ex-officio enforcement competences.   
A: The non-exclusive license for translation of copy righted works issued by the Minister of Culture 
Article 11 of the Jordanian Copyright Law No. 22 of the Year 1992 and its Amendments limits the 
license for translation and reproduction only and sets the conditions required for obtaining a non-
exclusive license. These conditions are: 
 
 For Translation, only for the purposes of education (school or university) and for research. 
 For reproduction, only for the purpose of education 
Art. 11 states that: 
Notwithstanding the provisions of Article (9) of this Law:  
a) Any Jordanian citizen shall have the right to obtain an inclusive license whose title cannot be 
transferred, from the Minister or the person au thorized by him, to translate any foreign work 
published in a printed form or any other form to th e Arabic language and to publish this translation 
in printed form or any other similar form, provid ed that three years have elapsed since the first 
publication date of this work, and that no translation thereof has been published in Jordan in the Arabic language by the owner of the translation right or with his approval or in the case the 
translated copies have been consumed. 
 b) Any Jordanian citizen shall have the right to obtain an inclusive license whose title cannot be transferred to others, from the Minister or the pe rson authorized by him, to reproduce or publish 
any of the following published works according to the following conditions: 
 1. The lapse of three years since the first publication date of any printed work related to 
technology, natural sciences, physics or mathematics, or after the lapse of seven years since the first publication of poetic, theatrical, musical works, art books and novels or the lapse of 
five years since the first publication of any other published works. 
2. That no copies thereof have been distributed in the Kingdom to fulfill the needs of the general 
public or school or university education through th e owner of the right of reproduction or with 
his approval and at a price compatible with the prices of similar works in the Kingdom 
3. That the published copies be sold in accordance with the provisions of this clause at a price 
equal to or less than the price stated in clause (2) of this paragraph. 
c) Translation licenses provided for in paragraph (a) of this Article shall only be granted for the 
purposes of school or university education or research. Reproduction licenses provided for in 
paragraph (b) of this Article shall only by gran ted for use in the field of school or university 
education.  
d) Upon the granting of a translation or reproduction license the original author of the work 
which was translated or reproduced shall become entitled to a just compensation compatible with the standards of the monetary rights of the au thor which are prevalent in voluntary license 
contracts between people in the Kingdom and between people in the author’s country. 
 e) The conditions and procedures for the granting of licenses provided for in this Article shall be 
determined in pursuance to a regulation issued for this purpose. 
 
  WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 7 - 
 
  - The authors compensation  
Article 49 of the law describes in detail the circumstances and conditions of compensation, it states 
that:  
The author who any of the rights entitled to his wo rk have been violated may, in pursuance to the 
provisions of this Law, receive a just compensati on provided that the author’s cultural standing, 
the value of the literary or scientific or artistic work and the value of the original work in the 
market and the extent to which the violator benefited from exploiting the work are taken into 
account. The compensation ruled for the author in this case shall be considered a privileged debt on the net sum resulting from the sale of the item s used in the violation of his right and the sums 
seized in the course of the lawsuit. 
 
- the nature of legal cases initiated by the Copyright Office of the National Library 
and in particular its ex-offi cio enforcement competences. 
 
Most of legal cases initiated by the Copyright Office through its Ex-officio authority are for DVDs, CDs, and books. 
 
EU question No 21: Finally some more information on the competences of JSMO in fighting 
counterfeiting and piracy will be welcomed. 
 
A: JSMO has a role in the prevention of counterfe iting products detected at the borders and in the 
market according to Article 33-b, Article 33-d and Article 34-a-5, by confiscating and destroying 
the counterfeit product at the borders and in mark et, and sending the violator to the court. Also 
through the Anti-counterfeiting Verification and No tifying Unit, JSMO is responsible for verifying 
the genuineness of the trade mark fixed on the product label through correspondence with the trade mark owner. 
 
3.3.5.5 Enforcement of inte llectual property rights 
Paragraph 3.145, page 66 
 
According to the report, Jordan Customs have the right to suspend the release of goods which it 
suspects may constitute an infringement of intellectual property rights at the border. The right holder can file a criminal or civil case before the competent court during eight days after being 
notified of the customs decision to suspend the release of the goods. In 2014, there were 253 IPR 
infringement cases, of which 28 were filed to court.  
EU question No 22: Could Jordan clarify if the above-mentioned provisions of enforcement of 
intellectual property rights at the borders are also  applied to Protected designation of origin (PDO) 
and/or Protected geographical indication (PGI) products? 
 
A: According to Jordanian Customs Law No. 20 of 1998 in Article No. 41/h Intellectual Property Rights are applied to Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and/or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) products. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 8 - 
 
  REPLIES TO AUSTRALIA  
Report by the Secretariat – WT/TPR/S/325 
 2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME 
2.3 Trade Policy Objectives 
Page 22, Paragraph 2.11 AND  
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
4.2 Mining and Energy  
Pages 75-76, Paragraph 4.28 AND 
 
4.2.2 Petroleum refining and distribution sector Page 80, Paragraph 4.46 AND  
4.2.4 Minerals, oil and natural gas 
Page 81, Paragraph 4.52 AND  
4.2.5 Oil and natural gas 
Page 84, Paragraphs 4.62, 4.63  
Question 1 
To what extent do Jordan’s priorities and initiatives (‘ Jordan 2025: National Vision and Strategy ’, 
‘2007-2020 Master Strategy of the Energy Sector ’, ‘Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Law ’) 
influence or support Jordan’s mining equipment, technology and services sector? 
 
A: Main goals of Jordan Master strategy of ener gy sector 2007-2020 and its updated strategy up to 
2025 are to increase the contribution of local en ergy resources in energy mix by enhancing and 
utilizing renewable energy to contribute with 15% of electricity generation in 2025, enhancing oil 
shale investment to contribute with 14% of elec tricity generation, introducing a nuclear power for 
electricity generation and increasing energy efficiency in the sector. Implementing the 
aforementioned goals will definitely support Jord an mining equipment and Jordan will need many 
types of energy technologies such as wind mills, photovoltaic energy efficiency equipment as well 
as many types of services with rega rd to technical consultancy studies. 
 
What are the types of equipment, technologies an d services that the Jordanian resources sectors 
need for the future?  
A:Jordan will be in a need of many types of high  performance technologies such as nuclear reactor 
technologies, power plant technologies, burning oil shale technologies, wind power technologies, solar power technologies, and energy efficiency technologies such as LEDs. 
 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 4.1 Agriculture 4.1.3 Agricultural Policies 
Page 72, Paragraph 4.16 
 Question 2 
Could Jordan explain how the National Strategy for Agricultural Development (2014-20) interacts 
with Jordan Vision 2025?  
A: The National Strategy for Agricultural Development (2014-2020) was updated and extended 
until 2025 in order to ensure harmony with the national vision 2025. Jordan’s vision 2025 goals were reflected in the Strategy and will be achieved through certain procedures and policies that adopted in the Strategy on the sector level accordin g to a flexible timetable that takes into account 
the developments on the global and regional levels. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 9 - 
 
  4.2.5 Oil and natural gas 
Page 84, Paragraph 4.62  Question 3 
Australia recognises the importance of the mining and energy sector to Jordan’s economic 
development and notes the significant role of foreign investment in this sector. Could Jordan please provide further detail on opportunities for foreign investors and services suppliers in this 
sector? 
 A: Jordan is rich in mineral resources as the following:  
1- Metallic Resource, such as: Copper and Gold
 
2- Non-metallic Resources, such as: Kaolin, Silica Sand, Zeolitic tuff, Do lomite, Basalt, Zircon, 
Chalk, Feldspar, Bentonite, Diatomite and Limestone. 
3-  Energy resources, such as: Oil Shale and Uranium. 
 The exploitation of mineral resources  
 Some of the mineral resources in Jordan were exploited, exported and also consumed in the 
domestic manufacture of fertilizers such as phosphate and potash. Meanwhile, limestone is also exploited and exported. The other mineral resources, such as silica sand, feldspar and kaolin 
….etc. are still not exploited in a large scale. 
 Several of the mineral deposits in Jordan have high levels of purity that facilitate processing to 
high value added products for different industries which have a high promising investment 
opportunities such as
: Silica Sand, Feldspar, Basalt, Zeolit ic tuff, Gold, Copper and Zircon. 
 
Investment in energy sector: 
 So far, the only important indigenous source of energy in Jordan is Oil Shale. Jordan possesses a 
very large energy resource in its vast reserves of o il shale; it is ranked as the fourth country in the 
world. Jordan has more than 70 billion tons of su rficial proven reserves and the deep reserves are 
estimated tens of multiples thereof for the surfac e oil shale. The need for developing the only 
indigenous energy resources (i.e. oil shale) sets as a high priority on the national agenda of the 
Government of Jordan.  
Jordan is endowed with a high insulation intensity averaging 5 to7 kwh/m
3 t h a t  i s  o n e  o f  t h e  
highest intensities recorded anywhere in the worl d. Jordan offers an excellent solar regime for 
deploying photovoltaic and low to high temperature solar systems for power generation. Jordan also has a potential wind regime suitable for electricity generation and direct water pumping. It is 
estimated that about 2 to 3% of total fuel consum ption in Jordan can be substituted by solar and 
wind energy  generation.  
 
4.3.1.1 Banking Sector 
Pages 84-85, Paragraph 4.66  
Question 4 
Could Jordan outline the accreditation process for foreign financial services suppliers seeking to provide Islamic Banking services in Jordan? Which bodies are responsible for issuing any necessary accreditation, and are the requirements for the accreditation process available on-line? 
 
A: The Central Bank of Jordan is the only official accreditation body where licenses for banks (local, foreign, Islamic or regular) are granted in accordance with the “Banking Law” which is the 
main legislation governing the banking sector in Jordan. The “Bank Licensing Guidelines” explain in 
detail the licensing process and are available online on the website of the Central Bank of Jordan (www.cbj.gov.jo). Articles 50-59 of the “Banking La w” discuss in detail Islamic Banking activities.  
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 10 - 
 
  4.3.3.1 Air Transport 
Page 94, Paragraph 4.115  Question 5 
Australia notes the important role of air transp ort in Jordan’s economy. Could Jordan please 
outline the opportunities for foreign firms wishing to provide services related to air transport, such as airport operations consultancy services and ground handling? 
 
A: Since adopting the Civil Aviation Law  in 2007 the policy of separating  the “ Operator from 
Regulator ” operating Jordanian Airports by foreign firms became allowed as well as providing 
Ground Handling Services (GHS); whereas Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) is operated by 
foreign firm Airport International Group (AIG) since November 2007, and under the terms of a 25-
year concession agreement, (AIG) became the responsible for the operation of (QAIA), the rehabilitation of the airport’s facilities, and the construction of the new passenger terminal. Also 
the right of providing (GHS) at (QAIA) is limited  to Royal Jordanian and Mynzys until the 1st of 
January 2016, nonetheless; Airlines shall have th e right to perform their own ground-handling in 
(QAIA) until 2016 or contract with a competing agent of their choice, including any other airlines 
which perform ground-handling, for such services in whole or part, to any other airlines until 2016. 
These rights shall be subject to JACR Part (140) . 
 Furthermore the Aviation Consultancy Service is generally liberated .  
 
Report by Jordan – WT/TPR/G/325 
1 INTRODUCTION 
1.2 Jordan Vision 2025 
Page 3, Paragraphs 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 AND  
3 SECTOR DEVELOPMENT 
3.2 Natural resources, mining and energy  Page 6, Paragraphs 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 AND 
3.3 Industrial sector 
Page 7, Paragraph 3.13  
Question 6 
To what extent do Jordan’s priorities and initiatives (‘ Jordan 2025: National Vision and Strategy ’, 
‘2007-2020 Master Strategy of the Energy Sector ’, ‘Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Law ’) 
influence or support Jordan’s mining equipment, technology and services sector? 
 A: Please see answer of Question no (1)  
 
What are the types of equipment, technologies an d services that the Jordanian resources sectors 
need for the future?   
 
A: Please see our answer of Question no 1  
 1.2 Jordan Vision 2025 
Page 3, Paragraph 1.8 
 Question 7 
Could Jordan outline what agricultural initiatives or projects are planned under Jordan Vision 2025? 
 
A: The initiatives include the following  
 Encouraging the use of agricultural technology and organic production. 
 Encouraging water efficient technologies for agricultural production. 
 Increasing the number of quality assurance for plantation units. 
 Encouraging agricultureal applied research. 
 Maintain the sustainability of agricultural resource and biodiversity 
 Ensure a healthy and safe agricultural production  
 
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 11 - 
 
  3 SECTOR DEVELOPMENT 
3.2 Natural resources, mining and energy Page 6, Paragraph 3.6  
Question 8  
Australia recognises the importance of the mining and energy sector to Jordan’s economic development and notes the significant role of foreign investment in this sector. Could Jordan 
please provide further detail on opportunities for foreign investors and services suppliers in this 
sector?   A: Please see our answer of Question no 3.  
 
4 Services Page 7, Paragraph 3.17 
 
Question 9 Australia notes the important role of air transp ort in Jordan’s economy. Could Jordan please 
outline the opportunities for foreign firms wishing to provide services related to air transport, such 
as airport operations consultancy services and ground handling?  
 A: Please see answer of Question no (3).  WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 12 - 
 
  REPLIES TO CANADA 
 Report by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/325)  
Part III. Trade Policies and Prac tices by Measure: Measures Directly Affecting Imports: 
Other charges affecting imports: paragraph 3.22, p. 38.  
Paragraph 3.22 indicates that Jordan Customs collects a number of services allowances on 
imports, including: an import processing fee, which is levied at the rate of 0.2% of the transaction value, with a minimum of JD 10 and maximum of JD  250 per declaration; a transit fee of JD 20 per 
transaction; and a re-export fee of JD 15 per transaction. 
 
1. Could Jordan please explain how these fees are consistent with Article VIII of the GATT, particularly the obligation to limit fees imposed in connection with importation to the approximate 
cost of services rendered? 
 A: These fees are consistent with the ‘cost of services’ requirement in relevant GATT articles. The 
revenues of this fee are directed to the Customs Department and other involved government 
agencies as a return for the services they provide and is used to improve such services in terms of 
training, improving customs houses and other aspects.   
Part III. Trade Policies and Prac tices by Measure: Measures Directly Affecting Imports: 
Labelling and packaging requirements: Paragraph 3.53, p. 44.  
Canada notes with interest that the Secretariat’s report states that “Genetically modified 
organisms (GMOs) are not allowed to be imported into Jordan, according to an instruction published by the Ministry of Environment in 2009. JFDA took a decision through its supreme 
committee for the control of food to prohibit the importation of all GMOs and their products 
intended to be used as food  or in food production.” 
 2. Can Jordan provide full details of Jordan’s measure to Canada, including a list of products 
covered?  
 A: The measure applies to all countries and on both foreign and domestic products. It covers all 
food items including raw materials, semi-f inished products, and ready to eat food. 
 3. Can Jordan provide details regarding the objective and rationale of this measure? 
 
A: For environmental and food safety purposes   4. Did Jordan notify the WTO of its measure and provide Members with an opportunity to 
comment? 
 A: Jordan will be notifying this measure to WTO 
 
Part III.  Trade Policies and Practices by Measure:   Government procurement: Paragraph 
3.66, p. 47 
 
The Report by the Secretariat notes that Jordanian “authorities stated that Jordan intends to pursue its accession process [to the WTO plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA)] after finalizing the ratification of the new procurement by-law.” Canada welcomes this 
development and is looking forward to working wi th Jordan towards its accession to the GPA. 
 5. When does Jordan plan to be able to re-engage in its WTO GPA accession process? Are there 
precise timelines for the ratification of the new procurement by-law?   
 A: The new draft legislation is a key element for the GPA accession and it is still under review by 
the Legislative Bureau at the Prime Ministry and relevant government authorities.  
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 13 - 
 
  Paragraph 3.69, p. 47 
 The Report by the Secretariat noted that “Jordan is preparing a unified procurement by-law, which 
is awaiting ratification by the Cabinet. The new by-law has provisions for almost all types of 
government procurement with several key reform features.” 
 6. Will all procuring entities be cove red by this unified procurement by-law? 
 
A: The draft legislation aims at harmonizing procurement procedures in all ministries, government agencies, and institutions; as well as harmonizing procurement procedures pertaining to public works, goods and services , with the exception of some Procured Items. 
 
7. Will the unified procurement by-law trea t domestic and foreign companies differently?  
 
A: The draft unified procurement by law is still under review as mentioned in the answer to 
question (5) above. A number of principles in th e by-law will depend on the GPA market access 
negotiations outcomes.  WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 14 - 
 
  REPLIES TO BRAZIL 
 PART I - QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
Page 7 (Para 1) 
 At the time of the last Trade Policy Review of Jordan in November 2008, Jordan was affected by 
the ongoing unrest in Iraq and the onset of the glob al financial crisis and, since 2011, it has been 
affected by the civil war in Syria. The combined effect of these factors has disrupted trade, reduced investment, and greatly increased the number of refugees in the Kingdom.  
Questions: 
 1. Could Jordan specify some of the measures take n by the Government to alleviate the effects of 
the political and security crisis affecting its neighboring countries? 
 A: The Government is working intensively and ha s taken all measures to ensure the kingdom’s 
security and stability. The Jordanian economy was able to recover from the global crisis and 
regional unrest due to the solid economic grounds and the resilience of the economy. Jordan continued to attract investments exports continued to grow until 2014. The new regional developments with the closure of borders in Syri a and Iraq in 2015 represent a major challange to 
the Jordanian industry. 
 2. Does the Government of Jordan believe that there are any trade policies that could be changed 
to help shield the Jordanian economy, given the current regional context? 
 A: Jordan strongly believes that economic refo rm is a continuous process. The Government has 
been working on additional reforms to improve business environment that aim at promoting 
private sector development and enhancing investment environment, those include new laws governing investment, Public Private Partnership. Moreover, The Government is also working on foreign trade policy to enhance national exports in  terms of diversifying products exported and 
also in finding new export markets as the regional developments led to a loss of Jordanian 
traditional export markets.  
 
Page 51 (Para 3.85) 
 In October 2014, Jordan submitted to the Council for Trade in Goods a request to extend beyond 
2015 the transition period for the elimination of ex port subsidies, and revised its request in June 
2015. The authorities stated that a confluence of exogenous factors which have significantly 
worsened since the last Review, have had a detrimental effect on trade, investment and industry and, therefore, Jordan had requested an extens ion to the waiver for four years to allow the 
economy time to adjust. 
 Question: 
 
3. Could Jordan elaborate on any other measures being undertaken by the Government to strengthen its export sector in order to overcome the effects of the Syrian and Iraqi crises? 
 
A: Jordan is currently working on drafting a new trade policy. This document takes into 
consideration regional developments. One of the new policy's pillars aims at enhancing 
competitiveness and diversifying exports:  
 The Government is trying to find different means of transport for exports due to the high 
cost of transportion for exports. 
 The Government is also working with trade partners to overcome all the obstacles and make 
the flow of goods much easier and more competitive. 
 The Government is currently working, in coop eration with the private sector, to find new 
markets for Jordanian exports. 
   
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 15 - 
 
  Page 55 (Para 3.104) 
 Qualifying Industrial Zone (QIZ) initiative was launched to support the peace process and economic cooperation between Israel and its neighbours (Jordan and Egypt). QIZs are designated 
industrial parks in Egypt and Jordan from which goods can be exported duty-free and quota-free to 
the United States. For goods moving into and out of the zones, customs procedures are streamlined and tariffs do not apply. Qualifying businesses must meet certain criteria such as 
promoting economic cooperation, and satisfying local content requirement: at least 35% must be 
produced locally, of which a minimum of 11.7% must be Jordanian and 8% Israeli (7% for high-tech products).  
The other 15.3% may come from either a Jordanian QIZ, Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza 
Strip, or the United States (a maximum 15% U.S. content). The QIZ initiative has no expiry date and thus does not require renewal by the U.S. Congress. 
 
Questions:  
4. Does the Jordanian Government take any precauti on to avoid that companies or capital involved 
in any manner in the settlement activities in the Occupied Arab Territories are benefited from this mechanism?  
A: to be provided later 
 5. Does the Jordanian Government have any particular mechanism to encourage business from 
Palestine to benefit from the QIZ initiative? 
 A: The original rationale of the QIZs was to encourage trade among the Parties including 
Palestanians. The agreement stipulates that for a pr oduct to be qualified for QIZ benefits, at least 
35% of the appraised value must be locally sourced with possible input by the Palestinians.  Page 86 (Para 4.70) 
 
The Jordan Deposits Insurance Corporation (JDIC) was created in 2011, as a public entity established to protect customer deposits of up to JD 50,000 for all licensed banks operating in the 
country. Membership of the Corporation is compulsory for all Jordanian banks and foreign 
branches operating in the country. Jordanian ba nks operating abroad are exempt from such 
requirements as well as licensed Islamic Banks operating in Jordan. The JDIC's capital is jointly 
paid through a government contribution of JD 1 million and JD 100,000 per member.50 
 Question:  
6. Why are Islamic Banks exempt of JDIC member ship? Are deposits of Islamic Banks customers 
protected by JDIC?  
A: to be provided later 
 Page 87 (Para 4.72) 
 
The main legislation governing the banking sector in Jordan is Banking Law No. 28 of 2000 and its amendments. To obtain a license to operate in Jordan, a bank must be a public shareholding company, whilst subsidiaries, offshore companie s, and branches of foreign banks are exempt. 
Branches of foreign banks must obtain prior approv al from the regulator in their home country and 
the CBJ before applying for a license. The CBJ's decision on granting licenses takes into account whether reciprocal treatment is granted by the bank's home country. Upon commencing its 
activities in the Kingdom through one or more branches, a foreign bank is required to appoint a 
resident regional manager at its branch or branch es in the Kingdom. Such an appointment shall be 
based on an official document providing that the manager must be fully responsible for the 
activities, assets and management of the branch  before the CBJ and other official agencies. 
   
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 16 - 
 
  Question: 
 7. Regarding the responsibility of resident regional managers, does the Jordanian law consider it as legal or contractual? Would it be possible to prosecute and convict them for offences committed 
by other employees?  
 A: The responsibility of resident managers
 is a legal responsibility in general. As for the criminal 
responsibility, resident regional managers will not be responsible for offences committed by other 
employees unless such offences committed jointly under inducement of those managers.  
 Page 87 (Para 4.74) 
 
Licensed banks are not, without prior approval fr om the CBJ, permitted, inter alia: to terminate 
their activities; to open new branches or offices in Jordan or abroad; to own shares in another 
bank or certain companies specified in the Banking Law; or to employ foreigners. The CBJ is 
responsible for regulating the number of foreig n employees and their ratio to total employed 
persons in the sector. In addition, licensed banks are prohibited from engaging in non-financial 
activities. 
 Question:  
8. Are licensed banks exempt of obtaining prior approval of CBJ to employ foreigners who are 
intra-corporate transferred to Jordan as executives, managers and specialists? In case not, is this measure considered compatible with Jordanian Specific Commitments established on 
GATS/SC/128?  
 A: Licensed banks are not exempt from obtain ing prior approval  from the CBJ to employ 
foreigners , as stated in articles 12(b) and 28 of the Banking Law: 
 Article 12   
b.“ Upon commencing its activities in the Kingdom through one or more branches, a foreign bank 
shall appoint a resident regional manager at it s branch or branches in the Kingdom. Such 
appointment shall be based on an official document  providing that he shall be fully responsible for 
the activities, assets and management of the branch before the Central Bank and other official 
agencies. A certified true copy of such document shall be lodged with the Central Bank.”  
Article 28 
 “Subject to labor legislation, a bank must obtain  the approval of the Central Bank to employ a 
non-Jordanian. The Central Bank is authorized to determine the number of non-Jordanian 
employees and their ratio to the total number of employees at a bank.”  
 This measure is compatible with Jordanian Specific commitments in GATS/SC/128.  
 
Page 87 (Para 4.76)  
In 2007, the CBJ issued a regulation to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism, 
with new instructions published in 2010.54 Additionally, the CBJ has started to amend the anti-money laundering and terrorist financing instructions issued to the banking sector in line with the amendments made to the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The 
regulation and the instructions are applicable to all banks and their subsidiaries operating in 
Jordan as well as to branches of Jordanian banks located abroad. Under the instructions, banks are required to implement internal system procedures to classify all its customers and apply controls 
according to the degree of risk. In addition, bank s are required to store records and documents of 
domestic or international financial transactions for a minimum of 5 years.  
A: In June 16th, 2015, the Law No. (31) for the year 2015, the Law Amending the Anti Money 
Laundering Law, was published in the Official Gazette whereby the Anti Money Laundering and 
Counter Terrorist Financing Law became a permanent Law after it was amended twice in 2010, by issuing temporary laws, criminalizing Terrorist Financing; extending the range of predicate 
offences; in additions to other amendments. Due to the issuance of the new FATF International WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 17 - 
 
  Standards in 2012 and the New FATF Methodology in 2013, the Anti Money Laundering and 
Counter Terrorist Financing Unit is currently und er the process of amending the Acting AML/CFT 
Law to be in line with the new obligations adopted by the (FATF).  
The Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing Instructions No. (51/2010) for banks 
were issued pursuant to the provisions of arti cle (99/b) of the Banking Law No. (28) of 2000 and 
to the provisions of article (14/a/4) of the An ti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing 
Law No. (46) 2007 in force. It is worth mentioning that the CBJ as the supervisory and regulatory 
body on banks is currently amending the above mentioned instructions for banks that are subject to the provisions of the Anti money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing Law in force in accordance with the FATF International Standards on Combating Money Laundering and Financing 
of Terrorism and Proliferation of 2012. 
 Question: 
 
9. Does Jordanian regulation to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism cover all the financial sanctions established on UN Resolutions and FATF recommendations on high risk and 
non-cooperative jurisdictions?  
 The legal basis that requires all persons in the Kingdom to freeze the funds/assets of persons and 
entities designated by the United Nations pu rsuant to UNSCRs 1267/1989 and 1988, and prohibits 
funds/assets being made available to designated pe rsons/entities is stipulated for in Item (2) of 
paragraph (a) of article (6) and paragraph (c) of  article (37) of the Anti Money Laundering and 
Counter Terrorist Financing Law No. 46 for the year 2007 in force and in the framework of Jordan's 
membership in the UN and in order to comply with the Security Council resolutions and FATF 
international standards, the National AML/CFT Committee adopted in 2010 instructions and for implementing the obligations under the UN SCRs 1267 (1999) and 1373 (2001), and due to the 
issuance of the UNSCRs No. 1989 (2011) and 1988 (2011) Instructions, the Instructions were 
amended in 2014 to comply with the new resolutions.  Not only that but also Article (10) of the Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing 
Instructions No. (51/2010) for banks stipulates that  the entities subject to the provisions of these 
instructions shall implement the obligations contained in the relevant and enforceable international resolutions and that is informed by the Central Bank  of Jordan or the competent authorities in this 
regard. 
 Moreover, Article (14) of the AML/CTF Law in fo rce stipulates for the entities subject to the 
provisions of this law including the banks to under take to comply with paying special attention to 
the high risk customers' categories, business relationships or transactions and set the relevant measures including risk management systems for money laundering and terrorist financing to include the classification of customers into categories according to the degree of risk while 
developing the required measures to appropriately deal with such risks, and review such 
classification periodically or in the event of  changes that require conducting such review. 
 
Also, kindly be informed that all the anti money laundering and counter terrorist financing 
instructions issued for all the financial and non-fi nancial entities subject to the provisions of the 
AML/CTF Law inforce including banks included specific procedures and enhanced CDD mesures in 
relation to customers categories that are considered high risk customers including customer 
w h o  b e l o n g  o r  a r e  i n  c o u n t r i e s  t h a t  d o  not apply or insufficiently apply the FATF 
Recommendations . 
 
PART II - QUESTIONS REGARDING THE GOVERNMENT REPORT 
 Page 5 (Para 2.9) 
 
The instability in the region as a result of the unrest in the region had severe impacts on the trade performance of Jordan, and led to the loss of many of the traditional markets for Jordanian 
exports. In the first half of 2015, the statistica l data shows that the total exports in value, 
decreased by 8.2% in comparison with the same period of 2014. Meanwhile, the trade deficit decreased by 18.6% compared with the same period of 2014 due to the decrease in the imports, as a result of the decrease of the value of the crude oil and its products imports. 
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 18 - 
 
  Question: 
 10. Has the Jordanian Government taken measures to promote the diversification of its trade partners given the longevity of the politica l and security crisis in Syria and Iraq? 
 
A: The Government is seeking for diversification in terms of both products and its export markets. 
A strategic reorientation and refocusing on the pr omising markets beyond the region is under way. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 19 - 
 
  MISSING QUESTIONS 
WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM BRAZIL  
 Page 55 (Para 3.104) 
 
Qualifying Industrial Zone (QIZ) initiative was launched to support the peace process and economic cooperation between Israel and its neighbours (Jordan and Egypt). QIZs are designated 
industrial parks in Egypt and Jordan from which goods can be exported duty-free and quota-free to 
the United States. For goods moving into and out of the zones, customs procedures are streamlined and tariffs do not apply. Qualifying businesses must meet certain criteria such as promoting economic cooperation, and satisfying local content requirement: at least 35% must be 
produced locally, of which a minimum of 11.7% must be Jordanian and 8% Israeli (7% for high-
tech products).  
The other 15.3% may come from either a Jordanian QIZ, Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza 
Strip, or the United States (a maximum 15% U.S. content). The QIZ initiative has no expiry date and thus does not require renewal by the U.S. Congress. 
 
Questions:  4. Does the Jordanian Government take any precauti on to avoid that companies or capital involved 
in any manner in the settlement activities in the Occupied Arab Territories are benefited from this 
mechanism?  
A: Exports to USA used to benefit from arrangement of QIZ until 2010 when the Jordan-USA FTA 
reached its full implementation.
 
 
Page 86 (Para 4.70) 
 The Jordan Deposits Insurance Corporation (JDIC) was created in 2011, as a public entity established to protect customer deposits of up to JD 50,000 for all licensed banks operating in the 
country. Membership of the Corporation is compulsory for all Jordanian banks and foreign 
branches operating in the country. Jordanian ba nks operating abroad are exempt from such 
requirements as well as licensed Islamic Banks operating in Jordan. The JDIC's capital is jointly 
paid through a government contribution of JD 1 million and JD 100,000 per member.50 
 Question: 
 
6. Why are Islamic Banks exempt of JDIC member ship? Are deposits of Islamic Banks customers 
protected by JDIC?  
A: Islamic banks are not exempt of JDIC membership which depends on Shariah principles (Islam 
principles) and Fatwa as an essential prerequisite  to the compulsory membership of Islamic banks 
was issued by the General Ifta' Department . In respect of deposits of Islamic banks customer 
protected. Please note that theses deposits are no t protected by JDIC where none of them is JDIC 
member. 
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 20 - 
 
  REPLIES TO SINGAPORE 
 
PART I:  QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
II TRADE POLICY REGIME FRAMEWORK AND OBJECTIVES 
 QUESTIONS: 
 
Trade Policies And Practices By Measure 
 Page 31 (Para 3.3) 
 
1. Could Jordan share more information on the importer card framework? For example, what 
is the purpose of implementing the importer card, and what are the qualifying criteria? 
 All importers are required to obtain an importer card for customs clearance purpose. Importer card 
aims at regulating the trading sector and for statistical purposes as well. Importers must be 
registered at the Ministry of Industry, Tr ade and Supply and the Chamber of Commerce. 
 
Qualifying criteria are listed in the Import/ Export by- law and instructions issued pursuant to it. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 21 - 
 
  REPLIES TO CHINA 
 
Part I.  Questions based on Report  by the Secretariat (WT/TPR/S/325) 
 
Page 7, Para 5 
 Agricultural products have both the highest tariffs (average 17%) and the greatest variation 
(standard deviation 27), with particularly high rates of up to 200% for some products in the 
category of beverages, spirits, and tobacco.  Question 1 
 
Please introduce the tariff rates of tobacco leaf  products and cigarette products. Are there any 
restrictions on the foreign investment in Jordan ian cigarette manufacturing enterprises? Are there 
any restrictions on the imports and exports of domestic cigarette manufacturing enterprises in 
Jordan?  
A: Industrial investments enjoy 100% foreign ownership. No  restrictions on the imports and 
exports of domestic cigarette manufacturing enterprises in Jordan. below is the tariff rates of tobacco leaf products and cigarette products: 
HS code Description tariff 
24011030 Imported by factories as industrial inputs %45 
24011090 Other %150  
24012030 Imported by factories as industrial inputs %45 
24012090 Other %150  
24013030 Imported by factories as industrial inputs %45 
24013090 Other %150  
24021000 Cigars, cheroots and cigarillos, containing tobacco %150  
24022000 Cigarettes containing tobacco %150  
24029010 Cigars %150  
24029020 Cigarettes %150  
24031100 Water pipe tobacco specified in Subheading Note 1 to this Chapter  %150  
24031910 Tobacco imported by factories for manufacturing of cigarettes %75 
24031990 Other %150  
24039110 Other %45 
24039190 Other %150  
24039930 Tobacco extracts and essences %5 
24039940 Other %45 
24039990 Other %150  
 
Page 8, Para 9 
 
9. The complex systems of free zones, deve lopment areas, and industrial estates was 
simplified by a 2010 amendment to the Development Areas Law which merged the administration 
of these zones into a single agency, the Jordan Investment Commission, while the Aqaba Special 
Economic Zone remains under a separate authority.  
Question 2  
 Please explain why the Aqaba Special Economic Zone remains under a separate authority. Are there any plans to include this economic zone  under the uniform regulation of the Jordan 
Investment Commission in the future? 
 A: Aqaba is the only port in Jordan and a success story for attracting investments and represents a 
major logistical hub for trade in Jordan at the region. Aqaba will remain a separate authority. 
  WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 22 - 
 
  Page 27, Para 2.25 
 2.25. Another measure which should improve the investment climate was the creation, in 2008, of the Office of the Ombudsman. The Office receives complaints to decisions taken by the public 
administration. From 2009 to 2014, 725 complaints were received by the Ombudsman, concerning 
mainly the procedures of the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization, and the customs fees. 
 
Question 3  
 Please introduce the settlement rates of receiv ed complaints and the general procedure of 
accepting complaints by the Ombudsman. 
 
A: First: For the acceptance terms that adopted by the Ombudsman bureau 
 
1- The Ombudsman bureau shall receive the complaints against the public administration 
according to the definition in Ombudsman Law (ministries, public departments, general organization ...etc.).(Article 2/A from Ombudsman bureau Law). 
 
2- The complaints must be rise by the affected part from any of the public administration unfair or illegal decision whether it's (Natural or legal person Jordanian or from any other nationality).(Article 14/lA from Ombudsman bureau Law). 
 
3- The complaints must be submitted in accord ance with the approved form in the Ombudsman 
bureau. (Article 14/B from Ombudsman bureau Law). 
 
4- The complaints shall not be pending before any judicial authority in any way. (Article 12/A from Ombudsman bureau Law). 
 
5- The complaints shall be raised in a period of one year from the date of the incident. (Article 
1.6/8 | Ombudsman bureau Law)'  Second: with regards to the settlements rates: In  general the settlement ra tes, solving complains 
reached 75o/o of all received complaints. 
 Page 27, Para 2.26 
 
2.26. Foreign investors in general have the same treatment as domestic investors, with some exceptions. Differences exist in: 
 
 - land ownership: land ownership for foreigners  is allowed in Jordan provided ownership is 
related to a business activity, except in free zones where land may only be leased;  
 - minimum capital requirements: foreign investment must have at least JD 50,000 of capital 
(about US$70,000), while the minimum capital requirement for domestic companies is JD 1; and  
 - prohibited or restricted sectors: some sect ors are prohibited from foreign investment, and 
some have foreign equity restrict ions of 50% or 49% (Table 2.4). 
Table.1 FDI Restrictions 
Foreign investment 
restrictions/prohibitions Notes 
Foreign ownership is limited to a maximum of 50% in:  
Trade activities:  
Wholesale trade Except for firearms and pharmaceuticals where 
foreign investment is not allowed 
Retail trade Except for pharmaceuticals where foreign 
investment is not allowed 
… … 
Source: Regulation No. 54 of 2000; OECD (2013), OECD Investment Policy Reviews: Jordan 2013 , OECD 
Publishing; and information provided by the authorities. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 23 - 
 
  Question 4  
 The government of Jordan prohibits foreign investment in the pharmaceuticals industry. Does the policy also apply to traditional drugs? 
 
A: Foreign investors are allowed to own industrial investments with 100% foreign ownership, but there is a 50% foreign equity ceiling for “Wholesale and Retail trade” in general except for 
pharmaceutical products where foreign investments is not allowed. 
 Page 31, Para 3.1  
3.1 Since the previous Review in 2008, ther e have been significant changes to customs 
procedures. Jordan started implementing single-window procedures from 2009, with 15 single-window centres operating in 2015. 
 
Question 5  
 
Please introduce the authorities included in and the function of the single-window procedures. And 
what are the functions of single-window centres? What are the leading authorities in the single-window procedures?  
A: The authorities involved in the single-window are :- 
 
1- Ministry of agriculture 
2- JFDA ( Jordan food and drugs administration)  
3- JSMO .( Jordan standards and metrology Organization)  
4- Telecommunication Regulatory Commission 
5- Energy & Minerals Regulatory Commission. 
 
The leading authority in single window procedure is Jordanian customs department. 
 
Page 31, Para 3.4  
3.4. Since 2010 Jordan has fully implemented ASYCUDA WORLD, allowing online customs 
declaration submissions, which has reduced the customs clearance time for traders (Table 3.1). The e-declaration share is 100%. Jordan has also implemented a number of other reforms during the review period to facilitate trade. For exampl e, Jordan initiated a "golden list" programme in 
2005 and upgraded it in 2010, which gives preferred operator status to companies demonstrating 
low risk and strong compliance history with customs requirements.  
Question 6  
 How many enterprises are included in the "golde n list"? What are the preferential treatments 
provided by the programme? Does the government of Jordan have a plan to develop its own 
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) mechanism?  A: As of 05/11/2015, the number of enterprises included in the Golden list is 54. 
The Golden List program, launched in 2005, qualifies companies to consign through green channel. 
Jordan Customs recently introduced new mechanisms that include revised and less stringent requirements and more benefits. Jordan is in the process of launching the “Unified National Golden 
List programme” aiming to provide preferential tr eatments and facilitation to authorized operators 
by the relevant government agencies in the international trade. For more information, visit Jordan Customs website: www.customs.gov.jo 
 Page 44, Para 3.50  The Jordan Quality Mark (JQM) is a voluntary system assuring the quality of products. It is granted 
by the JSMO based on JQM Instruction 4/2007. The Quality Mark certificate is valid for 3 years, 
covering all products except for pharmaceuticals and veterinary products.   
 
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 24 - 
 
  Question 7 
 Does the Jordan Quality Mark (JQM) apply to traditional medicine? If so, what are the standards?  
A: No, the Jordan Quality Mark as a product certification can be granted to all products with the 
exception of  pharmaceutical products, medicine s, veterinary medicines, serums and vaccines 
which are exempted from the Law no. 22/ 2000 and its Amendment on Standard and Metrology . 
 
Page 58, Para 3.116  3.116. …The Competition Law of 2004, amen ded in 2011 (Competition Law No. 18 of 2011), 
regulates anti-competitive agreements, abuse of do minant positions, and mergers and acquisitions 
(Table 3.20).   
Question 8 
 Please introduce the main content of the Comp etition Law amended in 2011. Compared with 2004 
version, what are the new changes? And why are these changes made? 
 A: Jordan amended the Competition Law to develop provisions so that they match with the national needs based on the reality, implementation outcomes and development of markets.  
 
2011 Competition law Amendments  
 
Article (6) add the excessive pricing to the aspects of abuse of dominant position (according to this  
an instructions of excessive pricing had been issued) Art (10) adjust the documents requested for economic concentration applications. 
Art (14) adjust the members of the competition affairs committee. 
Art (20) raised the fines to 5000 JD up to 50.000 JD. For valuation, the Articles (5-6) of the competition law if the sales value for valuator was unknown. Art (20) Prevent any committee or association from issuing any decision may affect the 
competition under the legal responsibility of penalty  
 Question 9 
 
Please introduce the procedure of amending the Competition Law in Jordan.  
A: The draft Law submitted to the Parliament fo r its approval after the approval of the Prime 
Ministry.  National Laws are ratified and promulgated by the HM the King through a Royal Decree. 
 Page 58, Para 3.116
 
Table 2 Competition policy: key characteristics 
Subject Exceptions 
Anti-competitive agreements  
The Law bans any explicit or implicit agreements 
that would restrict competition De Minimis  agreements are exempted from this ban, 
provided that they do not fix prices or share markets. 
The MITS has set a 10% threshold for market share 
below which agreements qualify as de minimis  
agreements. 
 Practices and arrangements th at fall under the definition 
of anti-competitive practices shall not be considered anti-competitive if they lead to positive results with a common benefit that cannot be achieved without this exemption, including the improvement of competitive ability of enterprise, or production or distribution 
systems, or providing certain benefits to the consumer.  
Abuse of dominant position  
The Law prevents enterprises with a dominant 
position in the domest ic market from abusing 
their dominance to limit competition. Dominant position is defined as the status in which the 
institution is able to control and influence the market. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 25 - 
 
  Subject Exceptions 
Abuse of dominant position includes 
discrimination, tying, pr edatory pricing, etc. Below cost pricing is not prohibited in the cases where it 
concerns perishable goods, li quidation of businesses, or 
sales to restock a business. 
Mergers and acquisitions are subject to 
monitoring  
The merger notification threshold is set at 40% of 
the market share.  
Unfair practices  
Producers, importers, wholesalers, and service 
providers are prohibited from setting a minimum 
resale price for a produc t or service, whether 
directly or indirectly, and from subjecting another 
party to benefit "from pref erential and unjustified 
prices or conditions of sa le or purchase in such a 
manner as to impart upon  such party a benefit as 
regards competition".  
Source: OECD (2013), OECD Investment Policy Reviews: Jordan 2013. OECD Publishing. 
Question 10 
 
Please further specify the legal responsibility for all kinds of violations of the law.  A:  
Anti- Competitive Practices 
Article 5  
a) Practices, alliances or agreements, whether ex plicit or implicit, that prejudice, limit or 
prevent competition, shall be prohibited, in pa rticular those with the subject or objective 
hereunder: 
1) To fix the prices of commodities, services or conditions of sale, and the like; 
2) To fix the quantities of commodities or the provision of services; 
3) To share the market on the basis of geographical  regions, quantities of sales or purchases, 
or customers or any other basis that adversely affects the competition; 
4) To adopt measures with a view to obstruct the entry of Enterprises into the market or 
exclude the same there from; 
5) To collude in tenders or bids, whether by overbidding or underbidding; however, submittal 
of joint proposals in which the parties state beforehand that the same does not aim at 
prevention of competition or limitation thereon or violation thereof in whatsoever manner 
shall not be deemed as collusion. 
b) The provisions of clause (a) of this article shall not apply to agreements with insignificant 
effect in which the total share of the Enterprises pa rty thereto does not exceed a rate to be set by 
instructions issued by the Minister, provided th at such a rate does not exceed (10%) of total 
transactions of the market, and provided that such  agreements do not contain provisions on fixing 
price levels and market sharing. 
 
Article 6  
 An Enterprise with a Dominant Position in the market or in a significant part thereof shall be prohibited from abusing this Dominant Position in order to prevent or limit, competition including the following: 
a) Fixing or setting prices or conditions of resale of commodities or services; 
b) Performing an action or behavior which leads to setting barriers against the entry of other 
enterprises into the market, or exclusion there from, or exposing them to grave losses, 
including selling at loss; 
c) Discrimination between clients in similar contracts in terms of price of commodities or 
services or conditions of sale or purchase; 
d) Forcing any of the clients thereof to refrain from dealing with a competing Enterprise; 
e) Attempting to monopolize certain resources ne cessary for a competing Enterprise to carry 
out the activities thereof or to purchase a particular commodity or service to an extent that leads to increasing the price thereof in the market or preventing the decrease thereof; WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 26 - 
 
  f) Refusing, without objective grounds, to deal  with a particular client under the usual 
commercial conditions; 
g) Making the sale of a commodity or the provisio n of a service dependant on the purchase of 
another or others, on the purchase of a limited quantity or on a request for the provision of 
another service. 
h) Excessive prices in violation of the principles specified 
 
Article 20 
 Each who violates the provisions of either Articl e (5) or (6) of this Law shall be subject to the 
following penalty: 
a) By a fine of not less than (1% ) nor exceeding (5%) of the total annual value of sales or 
revenues  of services of the violator calculated as follows: 
1) On the basis of total annual sales or total revenues of services in the market as stated in 
the financial statements of the fiscal year prior to the commission of the violation; 
2) On the basis of the total annual sales related to the commodities subject of the violation 
if the activities of the violator include various commodities and the violation was limited 
to some of them; 
3) On a basis established by the Court if the activities of the violator include various 
commodities and the violation was limited to some of them, and it was not possible to establish the total value of sales related to those commodities subject of the violation; 
b) With a penalty that is not less than (5000) fi ve thousand Dinars nor exceeding (50000) fifty 
thousand Dinars, in case that the value of  sales or revenues has not been defined; 
c) Any association or entity of the private sector assuming the regulation of the practice of any 
profession or sponsoring the interests of economic or commercial institutions shall be 
prohibited from issuing any decision that would be in prejudice of competition, or limitation thereon or violation thereof in violation of the provisions of this law or any other legislation; 
otherwise, the violating entity shall be subject to the penalty provided for in Clause (b) of 
this Article. 
 Article 8 Practices in violation of the Fair Commercial Transactions: 
 
a) Each and every producer, importer, wholesaler or service provider shall be prohibited from 
the following: 
1) To set, either directly or indirectly, a minimum resale price for a commodity or 
service; 
2) To impose upon, or obtain from, another part y undue prices or conditions of sale or 
purchase, in a manner allowing him/ her to have a competitive edge or inflict 
damages thereupon;   
b)  
1) The resale of a commodity as is at a price lower than the actual purchase price thereof 
plus the taxes and charges and transport cost s applicable thereto, if any, shall be 
prohibited if the purpose of such a sale was to prejudice the competition; 
2) For the purpose of this clause, the actual purchase price shall mean the price set in 
the invoice after deduction of the discounts specified in therein; however this 
prohibition shall not include to perishable products and licensed discounts on any sale for the purpose of liquidation of a business, or to relinquish the stock at lower prices. 
Article 22 
 Each who violates the provisions of Article (8) of this Law shall be subject to a fine of not less than two hundred (200) Dinars nor exceeding twenty thousand (20000) Dinars. 
 
Article 9  
Economic Concentration 
 a) For purposes of this Law, any business resultin g in the full or partial transfer of title to 
usufruct of property, rights, shares or obligat ions by an Enterprise to another, and which 
may enable an Enterprise or a group of Enterpri ses to control, directly or indirectly, another 
Enterprise or group of Enterprises shall be considered as an economic concentration operation; 
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 27 - 
 
  b) For completing the  economic concentration operations, which would be  of effect on the 
level of competition in the market by either realizing or reinforcing a Dominant Position, it is stipulated to obtain the approval of the Minister in writing, in case that the total share of the 
Enterprise or Enterprises concerned in the economic concentration operation exceeds (40%) 
of the total transactions in the market; 
 c) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other legi slation, authorities in charge of licensing 
economic concentration operations in any sector shall, prior to issuing their final decision, 
seek the opinion of the Minister in writing regarding the extent of the effect of such 
operations on the level of competition; 
 
d) Any entity or authority shall provide the Ministry with any information that comes to the 
knowledge as to economic concentration operations that are subject to the provisions of clause (b) of this Article. 
 
Article 10 
a) Enterprises that intend to carry out economic co ncentration operations referred to in clause 
(b) of Article 9 of this Law shall submit a requ est therefor to the Directorate, on the form 
adopted by the Ministry, within thirty days as of the date of entering into a draft agreement 
or an agreement on the economic concentration activity with the following attached thereto: 
1) A copy of the memorandum of incorporation and articles of association of the concerned 
Enterprises; 
2) The draft contract or agreement on the concentration; 
3) A statement of the most important commodities and services in which the concerned 
Enterprises are involved and their shares therein; 
4) A report on the economic dimensions of the operation, and particularly positive effects 
thereof on the market; 
5) The financial statements for the last two fiscal years for the institutions concerned with 
the economic concentration; 
6) A statement of the shareholders or partners  of the concerned Enterprises and the share 
of each therein; 
7) A list of names of the board of directors, the management board, or the director 
thereof; 
8) A list of the branches of each Enterprise. 
b) The Enterprises may also enclose with the request any matters they deem necessary 
relating to obligations or suggestions aiming at limiting the possible adverse effects of the economic concentration operation on the market; 
c)  
1) Subject to the provisions of clause (c) of Article 11 of this Law, the Directorate may 
request, in writing and for one time, any additional information or documentation on the 
economic concentration agreement and the parties thereto, and shall thereafter issue a 
notification of the completion of the inform ation and documentation, provided that the 
same does not derogate the right of the Directorate to request further information or to exercise supervisory powers; 
2) The terms, procedures, and all matters related to issuing the notice referred to in Item 
(1) of this Clause shall be determined by in structions to be issued by the Minister for 
this purpose and shall be published in the Official Gazette; 
d) The Directorate shall publish, in two daily news papers at the expense of the applicant, an 
announcement on the submitted request for economic concentration in accordance with clause (a) hereof. The announcement shall incl ude a summary of the subject of the request 
and an invitation to any interested party to present its opinion thereon within fifteen days as 
of the date of the announcement; 
e) The Minister may, upon consultation with the relevant bodies, take any precautionary 
measures until deciding on the submitted request in accordance with clause (a) of this 
article. 
 Article 21 
 
person who violates the provisions of either Articles (9) or (10) of this law or fails to comply with 
any decision taken in accordance with the provisio ns of Article (11) thereof shall be subject to a 
penalty that is not less than (10000) ten thousand nor exceeding (50000) fifty thousand Dinars . 
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 28 - 
 
  Article 23 
 Any person who discloses any confidential information that he/ she has received from any source except if that was according to a court order shall be subject to a fine of not less than one 
thousand (1000) Dinars nor exceeding ten thousand (10000) Dinars. 
 Article 24 
 
a) Any person who prevents an officer from carryin g out the duties delegated thereto by virtue 
of Article (19) of this Law, or who conceals or destroys documents, instruments, records or 
files presumed to be helpful in an investigation shall be subject to a fine of not less than five 
hundred (500) Dinars nor exceeding five thousand (5000) Dinars; 
 
b) Each who refuses to testify or refrains from presenting any data, documents or instruments 
in accordance with the provisions of Clause (c) of Article (19) of this law shall be subject to 
the penalty provided for in clause (a) of this Article. 
 
Article 25 
 a) At determining the fines imposed under this Law, the amount of the benefit that the 
violating party has received and the value of the damages inflicted upon others shall be 
taken into consideration; 
 b) The Court may mitigate the punishment of a viol ator of the provisions of Articles (5), (9) 
and (10) of this Law if such a violator provides the Directorate with information leading to 
the detecting such practices. 
 
Question 11 
 Please specify the penalties for violations of the Competition Law, such as whether to impose a fine and level of fine. 
 
Page 59, Para 3.117  
3.117. Three competent authorities deal with competition matters: 
 • the Competition Directorate, under the MITS, is  in charge of implementing the Competition 
Law; 
• the Competition Affairs Committee, the advisory bo dy of the Competition Directorate, provides 
opinions and advice on the general competition strategy and reviews matters related to the 
Competition Law; 
• the Judicial Council and the Ministry of Justice are responsible for reviewing cases of practices 
contravening competition, and for dealing with the execution of specific provisions of the Law.  
 
A: Please see answer to Question (10) above. 
 Question 12 
 
In the review process of merger and acquisition, do the Jordanian competent authorities coordinate with other government industry regulators? What is the main way of coordination? Do 
the opinions of other authorities have any influence on the decision-making of the competent 
authorities?  The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply has th e main responsibility of working to formulate 
policies that support national industries. 
 According to the competition law: 
 Authorities in charge of licensing economic conc entration operations in any sector shall, prior 
to issuing their final decision, seek the opinion of the Minister in writing regarding the extent 
of the effect of such operations on the level of competition.  
 Any entity or authority shall provide the Ministry with any information that comes to the 
knowledge as to economic concentration operations that are subject to the provisions of this WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 29 - 
 
  Article. 
 The Directorate shall publish, in two daily news papers at the expense of the applicant, an 
announcement on the submitted request for economic concentration.  
 
Question 13 
 Please provide details on the functions, institutional setting and other relevant information of the 
Competition Directorate. 
 The Competition Directorate of the Ministry of Industry & Trade is the entitled authority of implementing the Competition Law. It was incorporated within the organizational body of the 
Ministry of Industry and Trade on 18/12/2002; the Directorate undertakes its tasks and 
competencies in compliance with the provisions of  article (12) of the Law, which includes the 
following
: 
 Investigating on anti-competitive practices . 
 Carrying out investigations that are either  discovered by the Directorate or based 
on claims and complaints by other parties or competent courts . 
 Receive and follow up economic concentration requests, in addition to preparing 
reports and draft decisions in that regard . 
 Publish detailed records on Directorate issues , either by an initiative thereof, or 
under the request of concerned institutions . 
 Participate in preparing the general plan and the regulations for the competition, 
along with any related studies . 
 Promoting, protecting and encouraging the competition culture . 
 Utilizing the experiences of outdoor cons ultants and experts to carry out some 
tasks of the 
 Directorate mandate . 
 Cooperate with foreign agencies within the same field of interest, for the purpose 
of exchanging information and data, and matters related to implementing the Competition Law. 
 
For more information, please visit  www.mit.gov.jo  
 
Question 14 
 Please provide details on the functions and powe rs as well as the administrative enforcement 
procedures of Jordanian competent authorities in the investigations. 
 
A: Please see Answer of Questions no (10) and (13). For more information, please visit www.mit.gov.jo.  
 
Part II.  Questions based on Policy Statement by Angola (WT/TPR/G/325) 
 
Page 5, Para 2.13 
 2.13 Foreign Direct Investment continued to flow into Jordan, growing from US$1.47 billion in 2011 to US$1.76 billion in 2014.The Central Bank of Jordan implemented several rate cuts aiming 
at fostering investment. Many lucrative sectors for investment are; healthcare services, tourism, 
banking, mining, information technology, clean technology and pharmaceuticals sectors.  
Question 15 
 What are the legal provisions of the Jordanian Government for the foreign investment in the field 
of traditional Chinese medicine in the mode of commerce presence? 
 A: For distribution services there is a 50% foreign equity limitation.  
 
Page 6, Para 2.18 
 2.18. Jordan offers many attractive investment opportunities and present an ideal gateway to 
access major international markets. Several investment opportunities and incentives packages WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 30 - 
 
  have been granted in the last few years in the special economic zones, which provide lucrative 
incentives for foreign investment, including income tax rates of only 5%, free repatriation of capital, profits and salaries.  
Question 16 
 Please elaborate on the meaning of ‘present an ideal gateway to access major international 
markets’. 
 A: Through Jordan FTA's network with USA, EU, EFTA, AGADIR, Singapore, GAFTA, Turkey and Canada, all investors in Jordan can export and access all those markets, which made Jordan an 
ideal gateway for international market. In addition to the geographical location, which enables 
industries in Jordan to access major markets easily.  WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 31 - 
 
  REPLIES TO THE UNITED STATES 
 
PART I:  QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
2.  TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME 
2.1 General Constitutional and Institutional Framework  
Page 20, paragraph 2.2 states that “Special courts deal with issues such as customs and income 
tax. Article 97 of the Constitution stipulates that the judiciary is an independent and separate 
body. Judges of the civil and Sharia courts are appointed and dismissed by Royal Decree.” 
 
 How are judges of the special courts dealing with customs issues appointed and confirmed? 
 A: According to Customs Law No. 20 of 1998, as amended 
 Article (222) A: A Court called (The First Instance Customs Court) shall be established and composed of the 
President and a number of judges appointed by th e Judicial Council of the judges working in the 
judiciary.  B. The First Instance Customs Court shall be specialized to consider the following: 
1. Smuggling offenses and equivalents in accordance with the provisions of this law. 
2. Crimes and offenses committed in violation of  the provisions of this law and the laws of 
import, export, investment promotion, and the sales tax law, as well as the rules and 
regulations issued thereunder. 
3. Disputes arising from the application of inte rnational trade agreements to which Jordan is a 
party and any dispute whatsoever to the application of the laws and regulations mentioned in 
item 2 of this paragraph. 
4. Objections to the collection orders under the provisions of Article 208 of this law. 5. Appeals of the decisions of fines in accordance  with the provisions of Article 210 of this law. 
6. Arrest and release of persons accused of crim es and offenses set forth in items 1 and 2 of 
this paragraph. In the event the case was not re ceived by the court yet, the President of the 
Court may request any person charged under this law to provide a guarantee to secure his appearance in the court. Otherwise, the Presiden t decides to arrest him until the case ends or 
the person offers that guarantee. 
7. Release of the seized goods in pending cases for a bank guarantee equivalent to the value of such goods, as well as the release of the modes of transport impounded after placing the 
impounding mark thereon by the competent departments. 
 C. The First Instance Customs Court session shall be held by a single judge.   
D. The First Instance Customs Court shall hold sessions in Amman or anywhere else in the 
Kingdom.  
 
Article (223) 
A. A court of appeals called the (Customs Court of Appeals) shall be composed of the President 
and a number of judges appointed by the Judicial Council of the judges working in the judiciary. 
 
B. The Customs Court of Appeals shall be specialized to hear appeals for decisions or judgments of the First Instance Customs Court.  
 
C. The Customs Court of Appeals shall be compos ed of three judges and issue its decisions or 
judgments unanimously or by majority. 
 
D. The Customs Court of Appeals shall hold sessi ons in Amman or anywhere else in the Kingdom.  
 E. The period for appealing the decision or judgment of the First Instance Customs Court shall be 
thirty days starting from the day following the date  of delivery if in presence and the day following 
the date of notification if as in presence or artificially in presence.    
 
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 32 - 
 
  2.5  Investment Regime 
 Pages 27-28, paragraph 2.26, and Table 2.4 and Page 7, paragraph 4 describe the restrictions on 
foreign direct investment (FDI) in Jordan, which include elevated minimum capital requirements 
and commercial sectors where foreign investment is either prohibited or limited to 49 or 50% of 
the equity investment.  
 Why does Jordan restrict investment in the sectors listed in Table 2.4? 
 A: Jordan has undertaken extensive commitments under GATS that have provided for a full 
ownership of foreign investors in sectors such as banking, telecommunications, insurance, 
education and health services, hotels, the manufactu ring sector allows for full foreign ownership. 
Jordan still maintains some limitations in a limited number of sectors. However, Jordan is currently 
in the process of reviewing the non- Jordanian investment regulation 
 
  Aren’t these restrictions a burden on the goal of increasing foreign investment?   
 
Jordan is receiving foreign investments in all sectors whether fully or partially liberalized, and 
doesn’t represent a burden on attracting foreign investments. 
 
 W h y  s h o u l d  a n  i n v e s t o r  f i n d  i t  a t t r a c t i v e  t o  t a k e  a  m i n o r i t y  s h a r e  i n  h i s  i n v e s t m e n t ,  
particularly with a high initial investment requirement?   
A: The sectors with foreign equity cap allow foreign investors to own 50% of the business and it does not represent a minority share. Foreign investors are establishing partnerships in these 
sectors. 
 
The council of Ministers may allow for increased share for foreign investors based according to the 
Non- Jordanian investment by- law. Criteria for defining such project may include jobs creation, 
technology transfer, size of investment / project, and development impact  
 Are these restrictions synchronized with Jordan’s Services commitments? 
 
They comply with Jordan services commitments within the WTO.  
Table 2.4 states that there are “restrictions/prohibitions” against FDI in the import and export 
sectors. 
 How are Jordan’s restrictions on foreign ownership manifested in the area of importation and 
exportation, i.e., what precisely is restricted? 
 
The ownership limitation (which is 50% maximum foreign ownership does not affect importation or exportation of goods. In practice, industrial companies whether owned by foreign or domestic 
investors are allowed to import for their own use and export their products.  
 Table 2.4 states that there are “restrictions/prohib itions” against FDI in the sectors of “distribution 
of goods and services;” and “supply services?” 
 What is the difference between wholesale/retail/and franchising services and (a) 
“distribution of goods and services;” and (b) “supply services?” 
 
These activities are considered to be under distribution services but they are classified under different categories in national legislations for more clarity when applied on the national level and to correspond to national classifications when registering a company in Jordan. 
 
Table 2.4 states that there are “restrictions/prohibitions” against FDI in the sector of “Geology-
related sciences; scientific and technical consulting services related to prospecting, surveying, 
exploration, exploitation and map making.”   
 Please explain the rational for this restriction. 
 
There is a foreign equity limitation on this sector to align it with engineering services as both 
sectors are inter-related.  Page 29, paragraph 2.27 states that the “equity level may be increased by the Council of 
Ministers.” Page 31, paragraph 3.2 states that “the Council of Ministers may allow a foreign WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 33 - 
 
  investor to own or contribute with higher percentages in projects of large scale or special 
importance.” 
 How does the Council of Ministers act to increase the permitted equity level? 
 
A: The council of Ministers may allow for increased share for foreign investors based according to 
the Non- Jordanian investment by- law.  
 Is the term “projects of large scale or special importance” anywhere defined in law? 
 
A: Criteria for defining such projects may include jobs creation, technology transfer, size of investment/project, and development impact.  
 What does a petitioner have to do to get a permitted higher equity level for his investment? 
 
A: Submit a request to JIC with proper justifications  
 How long does it typically take to get such an approval?  
 
A: To be provided later.  
 How many such petitions have been requested/granted in the last 5 years?   
 
A: To be provided later  Note: The non-Jordanian Investment by-law is under  review and will provide for criteria related to 
the above.  
 
3.  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE 
3.1  Measures Directly Affecting Imports 
3.1.1  Customs procedures, valuation, and rules of origin  
Page 31, paragraph 3.2 states that companies (both local and foreign) must be “registered as 
commercial importers/exporters with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply (MITS)” to 
“import and export for commercial purposes.  Foreign commercial traders are subject to a foreign equity limit of 50%.” 
 What does “import and export for commercial purposes” mean?  
 
A: Import and export for commercial purposes means that the traders are engaging in trade 
activity than from their “own use” 
 
 Does “commercial purposes” mean only for resa le, or does it include further processing? 
 
A: It includes importing for resale only. However, a manufacturer is also eligible to register as commercial importers /exporters  
 Do these restrictions apply to manufacturers that imports good for further processing? 
 
A: No equity limitation on manufacturing  
 
 What does the equity restriction mean in practice?  Does it mean that a foreign corporation 
(i.e., with less than 50% local equity ownership) cannot register to import or export for 
commercial purposes without a Jordanian equity partner at the level of 50%?  
 
A: Yes.  
  Could such a firm pay the 2.5% “penalty” (see paragraph 3.3) and import notwithstanding 
its lack of local ownership? 
 
A: The 2.5% penalty is applied to the corporation when importing without acquiring an importer 
card   
 This statement does not appear consistent with Jordan’s statement at the time of its 
accession (WT/ACC/JOR/33, paragraph 50) that “Without prejudice to Jordan's schedule of commitments on services, Jordan would modify the relevant laws, regulations and requirements to permit foreign firms, including so le proprietorships to register as WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 34 - 
 
  importers without limitation on equity or application of an economic needs test, 
including for branches of foreign fi rms permanently registered in Jordan .”  
 
o Please explain why after so many years, this has not been accomplished.  
 
A: No economic need test precondition is currently applied.  
Page 31, paragraph 3.2 states that “for a company to be registered as an importer/exporter, it 
must become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, or Chamber of Industry, and its premises 
must have been inspected and approved by the local municipality .” 
 
 Inspected and approved for what?  What is  the inspection for, health purposes?  
 
A: For the purposes of issuing a vocational license for the first time for any business no matter 
what its objectives (including import and export), its premises must be inspected and approved to 
ensure the suitability of premises to conduct the activities it is licensed to conduct.    
Page 31, paragraph 3.3: The Secretariat’s report notes that “Once registered as a commercial 
importer, a company must obtain an importer card from the MITS (according to the authorities, 
this takes about 30 minutes). Under the Import and Export Law of 2001 (Article 3A), the importer card provides the commercial trader with a specific number and file that facilitates customs 
clearance. Companies without valid importer cards may still import goods for commercial 
purposes, subject to a penalty equal to 2.5% of the value of the imported goods. Individuals are 
not eligible for a card; hence, such importers are always subject to the 2.5% penalty.”   
 
 Please explain how the 2.5% charge, which appear s not to be a penalty, but rather the cost 
of being an importer for an individual and for a firm if the firm fails to secure an import card, 
is not a fee or charge imposed on or in connection with importation as described in Article 
VIII of the GATT 1994?  How does the charge relate to the cost of services rendered 
 
A: The 2.5% is not considered as a charge or fee,  it is a penalty for not having an import card.  
 
Page 31, paragraph 3.5 states that “Customs declarations may be made either by the owners of 
the goods (or their authorized representatives), or by licensed customs agents. No foreign firms 
may import goods without appointing an agent registered in Jordan.  The agent may be a branch 
office, or a wholly-owned subsidiary of the foreign firm. The agent's connection to the foreign company must be direct, without a sub-agent or intermediary.” 
 
 Please clarify that the customs declaration must  b e  m a d e  b y  a n  e n t i t y  r e g i s t e r e d  t o  d o  
business in Jordan, i.e., either foreign owned or domestically owned. 
 
Customs declaration can be submitted by both domestic and foreign owned companies. 
 Page 32, paragraph 3.7 states that Jordan’s notification under Category A of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement for implementation in full upon the entry into force of the Agreement excludes, inter alia , “general disciplines on fees and charges imposed on or in connection with importation 
and exportation.” 
 
 Why were these requirements, which are also contained in Jordan’s accession commitments 
under Article VIII of the GATT 1994, excluded? 
 
A: Jordan requires a transitional period to conduct the periodical review of fees and charges. 
 Page 39, paragraph 3.9:  The Secretariat’s report notes that “According to the authorities, customs 
valuation is based on the WTO Agreement on th e Implementation of Article VII of GATT 1994. 
According to the Customs Law (Articles 28-32), customs value is determined as the transaction value of the imported goods. If the transaction value cannot be determined, the following 
alternative methods may be used in order of pref erence: (1) transaction value of identical goods; 
(2) transaction value of similar goods; (3) deductive value; and (4) computed value. As in the last Review, reference prices (not published) are used as a last resort to provide guidance when an importer fails to submit the required transaction value or the customs administration has reason to 
doubt the accuracy of the declared price.” WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 35 - 
 
   Please explain how the use of reference prices to set the value of imported goods is 
consistent with the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation? 
 Why are the reference prices not published?  
 May importers appeal the use of a reference price to value their goods? 
 Approximately how frequently this method is employed? 
 A:  
 The use of reference prices is consistent with Article 7 of GATT 94 which allows 
customs to refer to their value database that contains transaction for identical and similar goods. 
 Jordan Customs publishes the mechanism and procedures of valuation process, but 
does not publish prices because these prices are confidential and were collected from 
importers and distributers. 
 Importers can appeal to Customs Department and to the Customs Court regarding 
valuation issues. 
 This method is applied on 0.002% of customs declarations. 
 
Page 32, paragraph 3.9 also states that “Cars manufactured more than five years ago are not 
allowed to be imported into Jordan.” 
 
 One supposes that there are cars more than five years old in operation in Jordan (having 
been imported earlier in their life-cycle) and that these are not prohibited.  Are cars older 
than five years in Jordan tested or otherwise evaluated to retain their right of operation?  If not, what is the basis for discriminatio n against imports based on the age of the 
automobile? 
 The decision was taken to ensure that imported cars contain required safety features and for 
environmental purposes. Furthermore, cars older than 5 years are subject to annual check and 
test to ensure that they are in good operational condition at the time of the renewal of its license.   Page 33, Table 3.2 Jordan's rules of origin states that “A certificate of origin is required for 
imported products from all countries.” 
 Who must issue the certificate? 
 
A: For countries that have a free trade agreement with Jordan, competent authority of exporting 
country issues the certificate of origin according to the agreement. 
 
 If there is no certificate, how else can imports declare their origin, or will the MFN rate be 
applied as a default? 
 A: In the case where imported goods do not ha ve certificate of origin, Jordan Customs asks 
importers to declare the origin on the invoices. In  this case the Customs authority impose 0.5% of 
invoice value as a penalty in addition to MFN rate.  
The proof of origin requirement can be exempted if  it is allowed by a free trade agreement (i.e. a 
self declaration will be accepted without levying a penalty). 
 
3.1.2  Tariffs 
3.1.2.1  MFN applied tariff  Page 37, paragraph 3.18 states that Jordan’s applied tariff schedule “may be amended by a 
decision from the Council of Ministers, upon the recommendation of the Customs Tariff Council. The Council is formed and consists of Ministers of the Ministries of Finance (chairman), and of Trade, Industry and Supply.” 
 
 Please clarify that the Customs Tariff Council has only two members. 
 
A: The Tariff Council consists of the following members: Minister of Finance (Chairman), Minister 
of Industry and Trade and Supply, and the Director General of Customs.  WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 36 - 
 
  3.1.3 Other charges affecting imports 
 Page 38, paragraph 3.22 states that “Jordan Customs collects a number of services allowances on 
imports, including: an import processing fee, which is levied at the rate of 0.2% of the transaction 
value, with a minimum of JD 10 and maximum of JD 250 per declaration; a transit fee of JD 20 
per transaction ; and a re-export fee of JD 15 per transaction.” 
 
 Please explain the purpose of the transit fee, in  the context of the provisions of Articles V 
and VIII of the GATT 1994. 
 A: The transit fee represents a fee equivalent  to the service rendered by Jordan Customs 
 
Pages 38-39, paragraph 3.24 states that the general sales tax (GST) and the Special tax are 
applied “equally to the duty-inclusive customs va lue of imported goods, and the sale price of 
locally-produced goods. Special taxes are levied on, inter alia , cars, tobacco and tobacco products, 
alcoholic beverages, and mobile phone and radio subscription services.”  
 Is the “sale price of locally-produced goods” an ex-factory, wholesale, or retail price? 
 Please list the special taxes. 
 A: With respect to the first point, Jordan applies the multi- stages Value Added Tax (VAT), where 
every time goods and services are sold, the registered person (Trader, manufacturer, and service 
render) has to collect General Sales Tax (GST) on the selling price, beside the privilege of input tax deduction. Therefore there is a registration threshold for registrants in the Sales Tax Department:  
for services: 30,000 JD, for manufacturing: 75,000 JD, and for traders: 75,000 JD. 
 For those goods and services that are subject to the Special Sales Tax (SST), the (SST) is imposed 
one time only on the goods that are subject to this tax, and then the (SST) is added to the selling 
price to collect the General Sales Tax, and the registered person has to submit two tax returns, one for the SST and the other one for the General Sales Tax. The list of special taxes will be provided later. 
 
3.1.4  Import prohibitions, rest rictions, licensing, and quotas 
 
Page 7, paragraph 5 states that “import prohib itions and non-automatic licensing are applied 
mainly  for health, safety, security, or environmental reasons, to implement UN Security Council 
resolutions, or to protect public order and morals, and the conservation of natural resources.  
 
 What such measures are applied for other reasons? 
 
A: The above mentioned reasons. 
 
Page 39, Table 3.8 states that the import prohibition on tractors over one year old is to provide for 
the “safety of public transport.” 
 
 How is the safety of public transport assured for tractors older than one year already in 
Jordan? 
 
A: To protect against the risk of accidents on the roads and the safety of citizens according to legislations and laws that governs traffic management.  
 How are such vehicles regulated in a manner that ensures that used tractors are not 
discriminated against just because they are imported? 
 
A: To be provided later  Page 39, Table 3.8 Is the prohibition on the impo rtation of “mosaics” applied to the individual 
pieces of tile or to a fully formed representation/piece of art? 
 A: The prohibitions on the importation of mosaics applies to both. 
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 37 - 
 
  3.1.5 Contingency measures 
 Page 40, paragraph 3.32 identifies Jordan’s contingency measures, “i.e., safeguards, anti-dumping 
and countervailing duties, are regulated under the National Production Protection Law No. 21 of 
2004, together with the Regulations on Safeguard of National Production No. 55 of 2000, and the 
Anti-dumping and Anti-Subsidies Regulation No. 26 of 2003.”  
 Have these laws and regulations been notified to the respective WTO Committees for 
review? 
 
A: The National Production Protection laws and regulations issued pursuant to it have been notified 
to the respective WTO Committees. 
 The table below shows the WTO documents concerning the Jordanian notifications of legislations  
Jordan's legislation on trade remedies WTO document 
National Production Protection Law No. 21 for the year 
2004 G/ADP/N/1/JOR/3 
G/SCM/N/1/JOR/3 
G/SG/N/1/JOR/3 13 January 2005 
Anti-dumping and Anti-Subsidies Regulation No. 26 of the 
year 2003 G/ADP/N/1/JOR/2 
G/SCM/N/1/JOR/2 
8 October 2003 
Regulation on Safeguard of National Production No. 55 of 
the year 2000 G/SG/N/1/JOR/1 
27 November 2000 
 Page 41, paragraph 3.36 The Secretariat’s report indicates that Jordan notified that it had initiated 
safeguard investigations during the review pe riod on a number of products; of the six 
investigations initiated, three resulted in the imposition of measures, two were terminated without 
measures, and one is ongoing with definitive measures proposed  for three years (Table 3.9) 
(emphasis added). According to Table 3.9, the proposed measure relates to size A4 writing and 
printing paper.  
 Please explain when a final decision will be made in the ongoing investigation of size A4 
writing and printing paper and when Jordan w ill notify the WTO Committee on Safeguards of 
this action. 
 
A: A decision is expected to be issued soon by  the Council of Ministers, and accordingly the WTO 
Committee on Safeguards will be notified. 
 
3.1.6 Standards and other technical requirements 3.1.6.1 Standards and technical regulations 3.1.6.1.1 Standardization 
 
Page 42, paragraph 3.37 In addition to potash, e.g., as noted in the earlier reference to the 
activities of the Arab Potash Company, plea se identify “products from the Dead Sea.” 
 
A: Products from the Dead Sea include in addition to Potash the Bromine and Bromine derivatives produced by Jordan Bromine Company JBC.  Fu rthermore Numeira Mixed Salts and Mud Company 
which is 100% owned by Arab Potash Company utilizes the Carnality (the mixed salts) produced in 
APC solar ponds system in the manufacturing of De ad Sea Skin care products. In addition to the 
black mud which is extracted directly by Numeira from the southern shores of the Dead Sea the mixed salts along with concentrated Dead Sea Waters are being sold locally and internationally for 
skin care applications after being semi treated by Numeira. 
 3.1.7 Government procurement 
 
Page 47, paragraph 3.67 states that “the main targets for the public procurement regime in Jordan 
are to select the best evaluated bidder with the lowest possible price to execute the work, taking 
into consideration transparency, parity and neutrality issues. It also has secondary targets such as 
protecting the environment and facilitating innovation.”  However, page 7, paragraph 7 states that 
“foreign equity restrictions on construction and contracting firms . . . act to limit access to government procurement contracts.” WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 38 - 
 
   Please explain how Jordan reconciles its need fo r “the best evaluated bidder” with its intent 
to restrict access to foreign investment in construction and contracting firms bidding on procurement contracts.    
A: A foreign investor can establish a construction firm in partnership with a Jordanian company 
and submit offers to public procurement tenders in Jordan. 
 
 How, in practice, do the foreign equity restrictions “act to limit access to government 
procurement contracts” by foreign firms?  
A: To be provided later 
 
 Jordan took a commitment during its accession negotiations to initiate negotiations for 
membership in the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) after WTO accession. 
Negotiations for accession have stalled.  If Jordan accedes to the GPA, such restrictions 
may have to be relaxed for covered entities.  What are Jordan’s plans in this regard?  Will the restrictions be relaxed? 
 
A: To be provided later  3.1.9 Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures 
 
Page 23, Table 2.2 
 In regards to the section under the “Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures”, does Jordan concur that not all the SPS measures listed should 
be identified as “Emergency measures”; for example, G/SPS/N/JOR/25 and G/SPS/N/JOR/26 were not notified to the WTO as emergency measures? 
 
A: To be provided later. 
 
 Would a secondary designation, such as “Notifications on sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures”, under this section of the table better classify non-emergency SPS measures that 
Jordan notified to the WTO? 
 
A: To be provided later.  
 Page 44, paragraph 3.55 
In regards to the draft Food Law currently under review by Parliament, would Jordan describe the scope and intentions of the law?   
 
A: The intention of the law is to guarantee safety  and quality of imported, exported and domestic 
food.  
 
 Is Jordan able to provide a timeline for when the draft Food Law will be notified to the WTO 
and available for public comment? 
 
A: The law has been enacted and published in official gazette since 16/6/2015. 
 
Page 45, paragraph 3.64 
 Under what circumstances does Jordan deviat e from notifying non-emergency SPS measures 
to the WTO at an early stage, prior to adoption and when comments from interested 
Member States can still be taken into account, as stipulated in Article 7, and Annex B of the 
SPS Agreement? 
 
A: Jordan will provide a comment period for proposals when the measures are not emergency 
measures . 
 
 Will Jordan provide a comment period for proposal s that will allow sufficient time for review 
and comment by interested Member States, as provided in Article 7, and Annex B of the SPS Agreement? 
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 39 - 
 
  A: Jordan will provide a comment period for propos als that will allow sufficient time for review and 
comment by interested member states if the situation is not an emergency measure or the measure have not entered into force.   
3.2  Domestic legal framework fo r procurement and related reforms 
3.2.2 Export fees  
Page 50, paragraph 3.79 states that “temporary ex port fees apply to the exports of scrap iron at 
JD 50 per tonne, for a period of six months from 2 November 2014. . . . to secure the needs of the 
domestic industry.” 
 Was this export fee renewed or changed during  2015?  If so, when and for what duration, 
and by what legal instrument?   How long does Jordan expect to levy this “temporary” 
export fee? 
 
A: The fee was renewed on 17/5/2015 with the same value for six months, pursuant to the Law of 
Export and Import number 21 for the year 2001. Periodic studies are conducted to track the market status and availability of scrap for domestic industry needs.  
 
Page 8, paragraph 8 states that “export fees are applied to exports of a range of mining and 
quarrying products, manufacturing products, and agricultural products.”  
 Why would Jordan tax its manufacturing and agricultural products, e.g., what policy factors 
require such measures? 
 
A: Jordan adopts export fees on such products to sustain natural resources and maintain input 
materials for its industries.  
3.2.5 Other export support measures 
 Page 53, paragraph. 3.92: Could Jordan please explain why Jordan has not reported the Jordan 
Loan Guarantee Corporation (JLGC) in the WTO Questionnaire on Export Competition, given that 
the JLGC website indicates that agricultural products are covered under the Corporation’s 
programs?  
 Please describe the export financing progra m offered by JLGC for which agricultural 
commodities and products are eligible. Will be provided later.  
 What was the value of agricultural exports supported by the export financing programs 
during 2013 and 2014? Will be provided later.  
 What were the products, destinations, the maximum and average annual repayment terms, 
and the average premium rate associated with these transactions? Will be provided later.  
 
3.3.5  Intellectual property rights 
3.3.5.1 Overview We understand that there is a 2014 amended version of Jordan’s 1992 copyright law. We have 
been unable to find a copy in English and we don’t have any detailed information on the 
amendments that were made.  We also cannot find notification of new text by Jordan to the WTO. 
 
 We would appreciate receiving as soon as possi ble an English translation of the changes that 
were made in Jordan’s copyright legislation, e.g., the 2014 amended law.  
 A: To be provided later. 
 
Page 63, Table 3.25: The Secretariat Report notes that Jordan has signed but not yet ratified the 
Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances and the Marrakesh VIP Treaty (Treaty to Facilitate 
Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Bl ind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print 
Disabled). Please provide further details on when Jordan plans to ratify the two treaties, and whether any legislative reforms will be needed before Jordan accedes to these treaties. 
 
A: Ratification of the two national treaties requires the amendment of the Copyright Law. 
 Page, 64, paragraph 3.133, Table 3.25: The Secretariat’s Report refers to Jordan’s Law on 
Geographical Indications No. 8 of 2000. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 40 - 
 
   Could Jordan please state the term of protection for geographical indications in Jordan? 
 A: The Geographical indications law of 2000 prov ides protection for GIs and complies with the 
requirements of the TRIPS agreement. It empo wers the Trademark Registrar to reject the 
registration of any trademark which contains or consists of a geographical indication with respect 
to goods not originating from the place of origin implied by the use of the geographical indication 
in a manner that misleads the public. 
 
3.3.5.3 Copyright  Page 21, Table 2.1 and Page 65, paragraph 3.140 The Secretariat points out that Law No. 23 of 
2014 amended the Copyright Protection Law No. 22 of 1992, and notes that “The amendments 
were intended to create a favourable environment for investment in the information and technology sector, particularly software.”  
 
 Because an English translation of the amendments is not available at this time, we would 
appreciate a summary that identifies the key areas of the 1992 law that were amended. 
 In addition, we would appreciate the views of the Government as to which particular 
provisions of the amended law are currently  contributing to a favorable investment 
climate. 
 
A: To be provided later. 
 Page 65, paragraph 3.139 The Secretariat Report states that “Jordanian citizens may obtain a non-
exclusive license from the Minister of Culture to translate foreign works into Arabic after three years of first publication, subject to fair compen sation of the author.”  We understand that this 
provision exists in the 1992 copyright law, and that Jordan availed itself of the provisions in the 
Appendix of the Berne Convention but that availa bility expired as of October 10, 2004, according 
to WIPO.  We have several questions.¨  
 First, given that the availability of the Berne Appendix has expired, under what authority are 
the translation licenses being issued?  
  
A: To be provided later. 
 
 Second, how many translation licenses has the Ministry issued in recent years? 
 
A: No translation licenses have been issued at all. 
  Third, please describe how fair compensation of the author is calculated and how payment to 
the foreign authors is facilitated. 
 
A: Fair compensation is calculated according to th e conditions stated in Article 49 of the Copyright 
Law, which are: 
 
1- the author’s cultural standing, 
2-  the value of the literary or scientific or artistic work  
3- the value of the original work in the market  
4- the extent to which the violator benefited from exploiting the work are taken into account.. 
and there is no distinction between foreign and national authors in calculating compensation according to the law. 
 
 Fourth, how is the compensation accounted for when authors cannot be determined or 
located? 
 
A: Article 49 of the Law is not an ex-officio Ar ticle, and according to Article (4/A/2) when the 
author is not known it’s the publisher who can file the case and claim compensation on behalf of 
the author according to Article 49. 
 Page 65, paragraph 3.141, page 66 Table 3.27,  and page 67, paragraph 3.148 The Secretariat 
Report notes that the National Library is respon sible for copyright protection and initiates legal WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 41 - 
 
  cases of copyright infringement.  The Report also indicates that the number of cases initiated has 
generally declined between 2009 and 2014.  We have several questions.  
 First, are the 270 cases cited for 2014 attributed to the full year or just through July 2014? 
We also would appreciate clarification regarding the nature of these actions (raids, 
inspections); are they administrative actions (as compared to criminal or civil actions)? 
 
A: The 270 cases are only the cases for the period  that the report covered from January- July 
2014. 
 
The nature of these actions is not administrative, it is considered criminal action taken by the Ex-
Officio authority given to the copyright officers, who refer the cases to the Public Prosecutor who in 
turn take the criminal action. As for the civil action, it is taken by the right holder.  
 Second, what reasons or circumstances might explain this decline?  Were there any changes 
to enforcement procedures during this period, if so, please describe them. 
 
A: According to our reports, there is no decline in the number of cases, if we compare the number 
of cases for the last three years, we notice that in 2012 the number of cases was 467, in 2013 it was 462 and in 2014 it was 460 cases.  
There is no change in the enforcement procedures used during this period. 
  Third, please provide any statistics available on how these cases are resolved, including how 
many of those cases were referred to the First Instance Court, which we understand has 
jurisdiction over both criminal and civil matters.  
 
A: The cases mentioned in our report (460 cases)  are those referred to the Public Prosecutor, who 
refer them after investigation to the First Instance Court. 
  In addition, please include statistics on how many of the referred cases were civil copyright 
infringement cases and how many were criminal. 
 A: All the cases referred from the Copyright office to the Public Prosecutor are considered criminal 
cases. We have no statistics on the Civil cases which are initiated by the right holders.  
 3.3.5.5 Enforcement of inte llectual property rights 
 
Page 66, paragraph 3.145:  The Report indicates that Jordan Customs can suspend the release of 
goods which it suspects may constitute an infringement of Jordan’s intellectual property laws and regulations, and the rights holder may file a criminal or civil case before the competent court 
during an eight day timeframe after being notified .  The Secretariat notes that in 2014 there were 
253 IPR infringement cases, of which 28 were filed to court.  
 What percentage of these cases involved copyright claims?  
 A: To be provided later. 
 
4. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
 4.1.2 Trade 
 
Page 71, paragraph 4.10 states that the Ministry  of Industry, Trade and Supplies is the main 
importer of barley. 
 
 Is barley state traded?  Why does the government do the importing? 
 
The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply imports barley to maintain a strategic inventory of 
barley and sells it at subsidised prices to herds owners. Private sector is allowed to import barely. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 42 - 
 
  4.1.3 Agriculture policies 
4.1.3.2 Price-related measures  Page 73, paragraph 4.23 states that “at the end of the last [Trade Policy] Review period, it was 
reported that new policies were to be introduced  that reduced subsidies and applied a new method 
for subsidizing farmers. However, from the notifi cations to the WTO, Jordan has continued to use 
administered prices for barley which, like those for wheat, have varied from one year to the next, 
ranging from JD 122 per tonne in 2005 to JD 370 in 2012. According to the authorities, the 
administered prices are decided based on internatio nal prices and shipping costs plus a margin to 
ensure domestic production is viable.”  
 What changes does Jordan contemplate, and wh en, to bring grain production, importation, 
and domestic sale under market conditions? 
 
A: To be provided later. 
 
4.2 Mining and Energy 
4.2.5 Oil and natural gas 
 Page 84, paragraph 4.61  states that the “t he Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources oversees the 
development of the oil and natural gas industry as well as granting concessions for exploration and 
exploitation of hydrocarbons.  Concessions are gr anted for 5-8 years and are subject to extension 
during the development phase of 25 years. The state-owned National Petroleum Company has exclusive rights, until 2046, in the natural gas and crude oil industry (Table 4.9).” 
 
 Since the NPC has exclusive rights until 2046 in the natural gas and crude oil industry, 
please clarify the purpose and nature of the concessions being granted. 
 
A: The NPC has exclusive rights until 2046 in the natural gas production within
 the Risha Block 
which is 7600 sq. km.  
The rest of the Concessions are being granted to other international companies to explore, exploit 
and or/develop hydrocarbons in the Kingdom as shown in the Petroleum Blocks below.  
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 43 - 
 
  
 
 
Page 8, paragraph 15 states that “the partly state-owned Arab Potash Company has exclusive 
rights to exploit, manufacture and market mineral resources from the Dead Sea.” 
 
 Jordan does not appear to have notified this entities as a state trading enterprise (STEs) 
within the meaning of Article XVII of the GATT 1994 and the Understanding on Article 
XVII.  As it has exclusive trading rights, why not? 
 A: Jordan will be notifying STEs in near future   
PART II:  QUESTIONS REGARDING THE GOVERNMENT REPORT 
 4.  FOREIGN TRADE POLICY 
4.2 Doha Development Agenda (DDA) 
 Page 9, paragraph 4.8: The Government report notes that “Moreover, the successful 
implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreements  i s  o n e  o f  J o r d a n ' s  p r i o r i t i e s  t o  e n s u r e  t h e  
harmonization of legislation and improve the efficiency of supply chain logistics as well as the development and technical adjustment requirements.”   
 Could Jordan provide an update on when it expects to deposit its letter of acceptance of 
the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement? WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 44 - 
 
  A: Jordan is currently in the ratification process . 
 5.  TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS  
Page 9, paragraph 5.1, bullets 2 and 5: Can the Jordan identify what technical assistance they are 
requesting to assist with the IPR related issues identified in bullets 2&5? 
 
A: Adequate and targeted training for IPPD officials is needed in intellectual property rights issues 
and in negotiation skills through specialized training courses (workshops/ Training of trainers/ Study visits/ internships) at the WTO Secretariat.  
Improving public awareness and developing a wider culture across the Jordanian society for the 
importance of intellectual property rights wi thin broader efforts in the country towards 
development and economic growth (including for young people, civil society and economic 
operators). 
 - Establishing efficient cooperation with public and private sector to better take advantage of 
national IP frameworks, through specialized seminars and workshops on specific issues, involving 
private stakeholders, especially SMEs.  Assist in the review and modernization of IPRs laws and regulations (ex: Utility model law, patent 
law) 
 Page 9, paragraph 5.1: 
 
 What types of topics and activities does Jordan envision in regards to SPS technical capacity 
building? 
 
Capacity building and Training needed:  
 -Upgrading plant and animal quarantine facilities. 
-Upgrading residue laboratories. 
-Upgrading the capacity of regulatory bodies responsible for setting sps measures. -Training plant health quarantine specialists. 
-Training veterinary quarantine specialists. 
 Upgrading food laboratories  
Capacity building and training to Ministry of Agri culture, Jordan Food and Drug Administration, and 
Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 45 - 
 
  REPLIES TO  FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS FROM THE UNITED STATES 
 Page 38, paragraph 3.3.5.1: We appreciate the an swer that a translation of the 2014 copyright law 
amendments will be provided at a later date. 
 We ask if the Government can provide a general timeframe as to when this document will be 
available. 
 
A: Jordan will publish the legal translation of the law as soon as available 
 Page 38, paragraph 3.3.5.1 (in response to question at Page 63, Table 3.25):  We appreciate the 
response that the copyright law will need to be  amended before Jordan ratifies the Beijing and 
Marrakesh Treaties. 
  Does the Government have any general timeframe in mind for when the implementation 
legislation might begin?  If so, what is the timeline for such amendments? 
 A: No Government decision has been taken until now for amending the Copyright Law. The 
decision is still under discussion. 
 Page 39, paragraph 3.3.5.3 (in response to question at Page 65, paragraph 3.139) as well as 
answers provided at Page 7 to EU question 20: We appreciate the answers provided on pages 7 
and 39 with respect to the scope of the translation and reproduction licenses afforded under Article 
11 of the Copyright Law of 1992, as amended in 2014. We see from the answers that no 
translation licenses have yet been issued and we acknowledge that our questions are somewhat 
limited because a translation of the law is not available.  
We have two questions:  
A: Note: Article 11 was not included in the 2014 amendments of the Copyright Law. 
 
 Could Jordan provide additional information on  the scope and procedures needed regarding 
“just compensation” provided to authors whose works are translated and reproduced under 
an Article 11 license? 
We acknowledge that the Government’s answer to the EU on page 7 contains the text of Article 11. There, Article 11(d) indicates that the author is “entitled to a just compensation 
compatible with the standards of the monetary rights of the author which are prevalent in 
voluntary license contracts between people in the Kingdom and between people in the author’s country.” Article 11(e) states that th e “conditions and procedures for the granting 
of licenses provided for in this Article shall be determined in pursuance to a regulation 
issued for this purpose.” 
o Have any such regulations been issued on this point? 
o Furthermore, when is the compensation collected from the licensee, and when is it 
distributed to the original author? 
o What steps must the original author take to receive the compensation? What role, 
if any, does the Government play in facilitating this transaction? 
 
Answer: No regulations or bylaws have been i ssued in relation to Article 11 of the Law.  
 
 Could Jordan clarify that the “just compensation ” phrase in Article 11 is not the same “fair 
compensation” concept discussed on page 38 in reference to Article 49? 
 We inquire because the Government’s answer to the EU (on page 6) also identified Article 49 
and the “circumstances and conditions of compensation.” The Government’s answer (on 
page 38) lists several factors for calculating “fair compensation” under Article 49, all of 
which appear to be related to infringement actions. It seems that compensation under Article 49 is not the same thing as “just compensation” for the purposes of the Article 11 
licenses, and clarification by the Government would be helpful on this point. 
 A: The compensation mentioned in Article 11 needs certain conditions in a specific regulation, 
which as we mentioned before is not issued. 
 As for Article 49, the compensation conditions which are stated in the said Article are limited to infringement on copyright cases. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 46 - 
 
  MISSING QUESTIONS 
WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM THE UNITED STATES 
 
Page 39, Table 3.8 states that the import prohibitio n on tractors over one year old is to provide for 
the “safety of public transport.” 
 How are such vehicles regulated in a manner that ensures that used tractors are not 
discriminated against just because they are imported? 
 
A: Jordan does not produce such vehicles.  
 Page 47, paragraph 3.67 states that “the main targets for the public procurement regime in Jordan 
are to select the best evaluated bidder with the lowest possible price to execute the work, taking 
into consideration transparency, parity and neutrality issues. It also has secondary targets such as protecting the environment and facilitating innovation.”  However, page 7, paragraph 7 states that 
“foreign equity restrictions on construction and contracting firms . . . act to limit access to 
government procurement contracts.”  How, in practice, do the foreign equity restrictions “act to limit access to government 
procurement contracts” by foreign firms? 
 
A: Foreign equity restrictions do not co nstitute a limitation to access government 
procurement contracts. Any company registered in Jordan regardless of the nationality 
of its owners is allowed to participat e in government procurement contracts. 
 
 Jordan took a commitment during its accession negotiations to initiate negotiations for 
membership in the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) after WTO accession. 
Negotiations for accession have stalled. If Jordan accedes to the GPA, such restrictions may have to be relaxed for covered entities. What are Jordan’s plans in this regard? Will the 
restrictions be relaxed? 
 A: This will be considered within the negotiations of Jordan accession to the GPA 
 
3.1.9 Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures 
 Page 23, Table 2.2 
 In regards to the section under the “Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures”, does Jordan concur that not all the SPS measures listed should be identified as “Emergency measures”; for example, G/SPS/N/JOR/25 and G/SPS/N/JOR/26 
were not notified to the WTO as emergency measures? 
 A: All sps notifications listed in table 2.2  are for emergency measures except G/SPS/N/JOR/25and G/SPS/N/JOR/26 which were notified for transpar ency matter on measures taken by government. 
 
 Would a secondary designation, such as “Notifications on sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures”, under this section of the table better classify non-emergency SPS measures that 
Jordan notified to the WTO? 
 A: Other designation such as "other notifications on sanitary and phytosanitary measures" can 
classify notifications G / SPS / N / JOR / 25 and G / SPS / N / JOR / 26 better.  
 3.2.5 Other export support measures  
Page 53, paragraph. 3.92:  Could Jordan please explain why Jordan has not reported the Jordan 
Loan Guarantee Corporation (JLGC) in the WTO Questionnaire on Export Competition, given that 
the JLGC website indicates that agricultural products are covered under the Corporation’s 
programs? 
  Please describe the export financing progra m offered by JLGC for which agricultural 
commodities and products are eligible. 
 
A: The JLGC does not provide direct export financing as mentioned above. However the JLGC provides export credit insurance program which is available for all exporters regardless of the size, 
products and the type of entity. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 47 - 
 
   What was the value of agricultural exports supported by the export financing programs 
during 2013 and 2014? 
 A: The value of agricultural exports supported by  the export credit guarantee programs during 
2013 and 2014 were 2,901,606 JD and 2,108,912 JD respectively. 
 
 What were the products, destinations, the maximum and average annual repayment terms, 
and the average premium rate associated with these transactions? 
 A: Agricultural products constituted 3% & 4% of  the total exports covered by JLGC. Fruits and 
vegetables are mainly exported to United Kingdom and France, with credit term between 90-150 
days and premium rate doesn’t exceed 0.6% on each shipment. 
 3.3.5 Intellectual property rights 
3.3.5.1 Overview 
We understand that there is a 2014 amended version of Jordan’s 1992 copyright law. We have been unable to find a copy in English and we don’t have any detailed information on the 
amendments that were made. We also cannot find no tification of new text by Jordan to the WTO. 
  We would appreciate receiving as soon as possi ble an English translation of the changes that 
were made in Jordan’s copyright legislation, e.g., the 2014 amended law. 
 
A: There is only an Arabic version of the amended law.  The Following is a summary of the main amendments on the Law, taking into consideration that 
the amended law has been subject to several modifications since 2008 until its adoption in 2014, 
during which it has been discussed by the Legislative Bureau, Legal Ministerial Committees, Legal Committees at the Parliament and finally the two chambers of the Parliament (the Representatives 
and the Senates): 
1- The title of the Law was amended to be (Protection of Copyright and Related Rights Law). 2- Adding more definitions to Article (2) to clarify some terms and words mentioned in the Law. 3- Amending Article (4) by adding two paragraphs (d ) and (e) which are: 
d- Any person, whose name is shown in the usual manner shown on the work, recorded 
performance, sound recording, or audiovisual work shall be considered to be the right owner of the 
work, performance or sound recording or au diovisual work, unless proven otherwise.  
e- Unless otherwise proven, there shall be a presumption of subsistence of copyright or 
neighboring right in the work, performance,  sound recording, or audiovisual work.  
 
4- Amending Article (7) by adding a statement that the ideas are not protected to be in 
conformity with chapter (2) section (1 ) article 9 of the TRIPS Agreement. 
5- Amending Article (17) by adding the three-step s test at the beginning of the article in order 
to be applied on all exceptions and limitations. 
6- Amending Article (55) relating to Circumvention of Technological Measures to be in 
conformity with FTA requirements.  
3.3.5.3 Copyright 
 Page 21, Table 2.1 and Page 65, paragraph 3.140: The Secretariat points out that Law No. 23 of 
2014 amended the Copyright Protection Law No. 22 of 1992, and notes that “The amendments 
were intended to create a favourable environment for investment in the information and technology sector, particularly software.”    Because an English translation of the amendments is not available at this time, we would 
appreciate a summary that identifies the key areas of the 1992 law that were amended. 
 
A: Following is a summary of the main amendments on the Law, taking into consideration that the 
amended law has been subject to several modifications since 2008 until its adoption in 2014, 
during which it has been discussed by the Legislative Bureau, Legal Ministerial Committees, Legal Committees at the Parliament and finally the two chambers of the Parliament (the Representatives 
and the Senates): 
1- The title of the Law was amended to be (Protection of Copyright and Related Rights Law). 2- Adding more definitions to Article (2) to clarify some terms and words mentioned in the Law. 3- Amending Article (4) by adding two paragraphs (d ) and (e) which are: WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 48 - 
 
  d- Any person, whose name is shown in the usual manner shown on the work, recorded 
performance, sound recording, or audiovisual work shall be considered to be the right owner of the 
work, performance or sound recording or au diovisual work, unless proven otherwise.  
e- Unless otherwise proven, there shall be a presumption of subsistence of copyright or 
neighboring right in the work, performance,  sound recording, or audiovisual work.  
 4- Amending Article (7) by adding a statement that the ideas are not protected to be in 
conformity with chapter (2) section (1 ) article 9 of the TRIPS Agreement. 
5- Amending Article (17) by adding the three-step s test at the beginning of the article in order 
to be applied on all exceptions and limitations. 6- Amending Article (55) relating to Circumvention of Technological Measures to be in 
conformity with FTA requirements. 
  In addition, we would appreciate the views of the Government as to which particular 
provisions of the amended law are currently contributing to a favorable investment climate. 
 
A: The existence of a copyright law as a whole have a positive effect on investment not only the 
amendments. 
 
Page 65, paragraph 3.139:  The Secretariat Report states that “Jordanian citizens may obtain a 
non-exclusive license from the Minister of Culture to translate foreign works into Arabic after three 
years of first publication, subject to fair compen sation of the author.”  We understand that this 
provision exists in the 1992 copyright law, and that Jordan availed itself of the provisions in the Appendix of the Berne Convention but that availa bility expired as of October 10, 2004, according 
to WIPO. We have several questions. 
  First, given that the availability of the Berne Appendix has expired, under what authority are 
the translation licenses being issued? 
 
A: Kindly note that no translation licenses have been issued at all and in order to enforce this article, a bylaw needed to be developed, so this article is not enforced at all. 
 
3.3.5.5 Enforcement of inte llectual property rights 
 
Page 66, paragraph 3.145:  The Report indicates that Jordan Customs can suspend the release of 
goods which it suspects may constitute an infringement of Jordan’s intellectual property laws and 
regulations, and the rights holder may file a criminal or civil case before the competent court 
during an eight day timeframe after being notified .  The Secretariat notes that in 2014 there were 
253 IPR infringement cases, of which 28 were filed to court.  What percentage of these cases involved copyright claims?  
 
A: no cases. 
 4.1.3 Agriculture policies 
4.1.3.2 Price-related measures 
 Page 73, paragraph 4.23 states that “at the end of the last [Trade Policy] Review period, it was 
reported that new policies were to be introduced that reduced subsidies and applied a new method 
for subsidizing farmers. However, from the notifications to the WTO, Jordan has continued to use administered prices for barley which, like those fo r wheat, have varied from one year to the next, 
ranging from JD 122 per tonne in 2005 to JD 370 in 2012. According to the authorities, the 
administered prices are decided based on international prices and shipping costs plus a margin to 
ensure domestic production is viable.”  
 What changes does Jordan contemplate, and wh en, to bring grain production, importation, 
and domestic sale under market conditions? 
 
A: Government of Jordan will review the subsidies policies. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 49 - 
 
  REPLIES TO THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION 
 REGARDING JORDAN REPORT (WT/TPR/G/325) 3 SECTOR DEVELOPMENT 
3.1 Agriculture 
3.2. p 6  
The Jordan valley is characterized by its unique c limate. It is considered as the food basket for 
Jordan due to the year-round agricultural climate, fertile soils, higher winter rainfall and extensive 
summer irrigation. Vegetables, cut flowers, herbs are the main products in the Valley for the off season. Olive trees are grown in the highlands which receive the highest rainfall in Jordan. 
 
Question: Could you please provide further information about phytosanitary characteristics of 
areas aimed for plant products cultivation? What kinds of plant products are produced in Jordan?  
 
A: In Jordan Valley the units for plantation are close to each other, there are no bounderies between the cultivation units, also there are no zones applied for phytosanitary measures. 
 
Main Plant products which are produced in Jordan are: 
 Vegetables: 
Tomatoes ,Squash ,Eggplants, Cucumber ,Potato, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Hot pepper, Sweet pepper, Broad beans, String beans ,Peas, Okra ,Lettuce, Sweet melon ,Water melon ,Spinach ,Onion green ,Onion dry, Snake cucumber, Turnip, Carrot ,Parsley, Radish Cow-peas. 
 
Fruit Trees: 
 
Olives ,Grapes ,Apples, Dates ,Peaches, Lemons , Oranges, Clementines, Apricots, Bananas, 
Nectarines, Plums and prunes ,Mandarins ,Pears, Almonds ,Pummelors, Pomegrantes ,Figs ,Guava, 
and rapefruits.  
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT (WT/TPR/S/325) 
3.  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE 3.1.4 Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing 
3.31 p 40  
 Import licences may be cancelled in certain circumstances, for example, in case of a disease 
outbreak in the exporting country. Cancellation of a licence may be appealed  before the High Court 
of Justice. During the review period, no import licence was cancelled.  Question:  Could you please specify the certain circumstances for the cancellation of import 
licenses? Please elaborate on the legal basis setting out such circumstances. 
 A: According to Article (10) of the Import and Export law No. 21 of 2001, the issuing authority 
retains the right to cancel an import licence and refund the fees under certain conditions or in 
emergency situations, for example in case of a disease outbreak in the exporting country. Cancellation of a licence may be appeal ed before the High Court of Justice. 
 
3.1.6.2 Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements 3.55 p 44  
The SPS regime is governed mainly under the Food Control Law, the Drug and Pharmacy Law, the 
Food and Drug Administration Law, and the Law on Agriculture. The authorities stated that a draft Food Law is under review by the Parliament. 
 
Question: Please specify which legal acts govern food and feed safety? Please specify if there are 
any other legal acts on  SPS under development in Jordan, and which SPS-related acts are applied 
to the imported food?  
 A: The enacted law and published in official gazette since 16/6/2015. Food law is the legal act for 
food safety. SPS-related acts are applied to th e imported food; Food law, risk management 
criteria, golden trader programme  WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 50 - 
 
  For Agricultural products legal acts are articles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,and 10 of Agriculture Law No. (13) of 
year 2015.  3.56 p 45 
 
The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for SPS measures to protect animal and plant health against pests and diseases. The Ministry is also the national enquiry point under the WTO SPS 
Agreement. The Jordan Food and Drug Administra tion (JFDA) is responsible for the safety and 
quality of food and drugs.  Question: Which measures are applied to protect animals and plants from pests and diseases? 
Please specify the authority responsible for veterinary control of the products?  
 A: Both Plant Quarantine, and Animal quarantine directives for the year 2003 are governing  
measures to protect animals and plants from pests and diseases. Veterinary Directorate in Ministry 
of agriculture is the responsible body for veterinary control.  
3.57 p 45 
 Imports (and exports) of animals and animal products must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate issued in the country of origin. Importers of animals and animal products, and plants 
and plant products, need to register with the MITS before they apply for an import licence. The 
competent authority in the country of origin is required to provide veterinary certificates, phytosanitary certificates, and food safety certificates. 
 
Question 1: Please clarify the registration procedure in MITS. Please explain the rationale for the 
registration? Whether there is a special register of SPS-controlled products importers. 
 
A: the importer registers in the Importers/Exporters Registry should:  
 Be registered as commercial company or individual institution 
 Be registered in the Chamber of Commerce or industry 
 Be registered in the Income and Sales Tax Department 
 Has Valid vocational license 
There is no special register of SPS-controlled products importers. 
 
Question 2: Please specify the requirements (conditions) for obtaining an import license? Please 
provide the information on the legal acts introducing such requirements.  
A: According to Import Instruction No. 1 of 2012, the importer must have a valid importer card 
before the issuance of import license for the goods requiring to get the license for.  
3.58 p 45 
 Imports of live animals or their products are subj ect to quarantine procedures, which include risk 
assessment studies before importation, pre- and post-import quarantine, checking the health 
situation in the country of origin, and requiring each consignment to be accompanied by veterinary 
health certificates issued by the competent authorities in the country of origin. Veterinary quarantine procedures are stipulated in Veterinary Quarantine Regulations No. (Z/5) for 2015, in 
accordance with Article 46, 50, and 51 of interim Agriculture Law No. 13 of 2015. Exceptions from 
quarantine requirements may be granted for ship ments from exporting countries or regions with 
disease-free status according to OIE. Jordan recognizes equivalent SPS measures in those 
exporting countries with which it has mutual recognition agreements (MRAs); so far, Jordan has 
MRAs with respect to quarantine procedures for li ve animals with Algeria, Egypt, Hungary, Iraq, 
Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, the Stat e of Palestine, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. 
 
Question 1:  Please specify, which body carries out the risk assessment studies prior to imports. 
 A: Ministry of agriculture  
 
Question 2:  Could you please provide the internet link or specify other sources of information 
where we could get acquainted with Jordan’s MRAs. 
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 51 - 
 
  A: All MRAs are published in the Official Gazette-Prime Ministry. Website: www.pm.gov.jo 
 3.60 p 45 
 
Testing and inspection at the border is conducted by the Customs, the Ministry of Agriculture, and 
the JFDA. Inspection procedures are in accordance with International Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM), Codex, and national standards. 
 
Question: Please provide details on the legal framewor k (procedures) for the inspections at the 
border conducted by Jordan, the way of test ing/inspections conducting. May the mentioned 
competent authorities inspect the same shipment simultaneously? 
 
Risk based border inspection system incorporates cr iteria that determine the risk of each shipment 
taking into consideration 5 major components (country of origin, trader, history, food item, 
targeted population). 
 It is conducted by ASYUCUDA world system. 
Testing is according to the channel randomly selected. 
Red channel (lab testing, considering Jordan standards based on Codex) Yellow channel subject to documentary check  Competent authority conducts simultaneous inspection activity. 
 
3.61 p 45 
 
Food is classified as high-risk or low-risk items, according to their country of origin, the history of 
trader, and features of the food items (if they are perishable), with different testing and inspection 
procedures. Most food items (72%) are imported through "yellow channel", where the shipment is 
subject to documentary check and physical inspection. The rest (28%) is imported through "red 
channel", where shipment is subject to sampling and laboratory testing, in addition to documentary check and physical inspection. The classification is decided by the Risk Management Unit and Technical Committee, and approved  by the Food Control High Committee. 
 
Question 1: Please clarify the legal framework introducing this classification. Whether the 
information on procedures of products classification (yellow and red channels) is transparent and 
accessible to the public?  
 A: Food is classified according to risk management criteria depending on 5 major components 
(country of origin, trader, history, food item, targeted population) and it's transparent and the 
procedures for dealing with the channels are clear.  Question 2: Is there an approved list of products classified as high-risk or low-risk? What plant 
products are classified as high-risk or low-risk? Whether the mentioned classification is conducted 
at the border? Please provide more information about the Risk Management Unit (a brief description of its functions, of its interaction system, of its competence). 
 
Risk management duties are to Identify, collect, analyze, evaluate, mitigate and monitor potential risks for all collected data related import. Developing risk criteria and/or improving existing risk 
criteria for actual use on the “Single Window” th rough ASYCUDA .Creating efficiency measures and 
informative management reports that are suitable for immediate implementation through Golden list traders. Supervising the implementation of go lden trader and risk management legislations. 
The classification is conducted based on the risk management criteria mentioned in question 1. 
 
Question 3: It is mentioned that the «history of trader»  can be considered in determining the 
product’s risk classification. Please provide more details on the application of such criteria, notably 
on the importer data recordkeeping, and at what stage this analyze is carried out. 
 A: As a proactive approach to encouraging compliance with food law and related
 we have Golden 
trader programme and non-compliant trader list.  
 
3.63 p 45 
 
All products in the market are inspected, with different inspection frequency. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 52 - 
 
  High Up to 4 times / year 
Medium Up to 2 times / year 
low One inspection visit / year 
 
Question 1:  
Please specify which legal acts regulate the freq uency of the inspections? What determines the 
inspections’ frequency?  
A: Legal act is domestic food inspection legi slation the frequency of inspection determined 
according to type of food.   Question 2:  
Please specify the order of plant products exports with regards to SPS measures? 
 A: All plants and plant products when export ed from Jordan must be accompanied with a 
phytosanitary certificate except shipments when ex ported to countries which permit importation of 
these shipments without phytosanitary certificates.  WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 53 - 
 
  REPLIES TO THAILAND 
 QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT (WT/TPR/S/325)  
Paragraph 2.15, 2.17 (Page 24, 26) 
2.4.2 Regional and bilateral agreements, 2.4.3 Other preferential arrangements 
It is stated in paragraph 2.15 that “Jordan has seven FTA i n  f o r c e :  t h e  P a n - A r a b  F r e e  T r a d e  
Agreement (PAFTA),  ……” and bilateral agreemen ts with Canada, EFTA, EU, Singapore, Turkey, 
and the United States.”; and in paragraph 2.17 th at “Jordan receives trade preferences under the 
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes of Australia; Japan; New Zealand; Belarus, Kazakhstan, and the Russian Federation.” 
 
Thailand can use Jordan as a gateway to PAFTA and other developed countries. Consequently, we would like to know your policy on trade and investment promotion in tourism, hotels, textiles, 
fertilizers, and agricultural products processing. 
 A: Industrial business products can access all Arab Countries free of customs under PAFTA. All of 
these sectors are open for foreign investors and benefit from the incentives in the new Investment 
Law no. (70) for the year 2014.   Paragraph 3.67 (Page 47) 
3.17 Government Procurement 
It states in this paragraph that “… the main targets for the public procurement regime in Jordan are to select the best evaluated bidder with the lo west possible price to execute the work … It also 
has secondary targets such as protecting environment and facilitating innovation.” 
 Q. 1) Please confirm as to whether the core criteria, in addition to the lowest possible price, used 
to select the best evaluated bidder to execute the work also cover the quality aspect. 
 A: The lowest possible price is not the only criteria taken into consideration. The procured goods and services should meet the technical requirements  and standards, and there is also a criteria to 
ensure quality of procurement is also used when required, is to have points for technical 
evaluation of the procured services in addition to points for the financial proposal.  
 
Q. 2) With regard to the secondary targets, e.g. protecting environment and facilitating innovation, 
please clarify whether these secondary targets will be taken into consideration irrespective of origin or not.  
 
Those targets are taken into consideration irrespective of their origin.  
 Paragraph 3.69 (Page 47) 
3.17 Government Procurement 
It is narrated in this paragraph that “… Jordan is preparing a unified procurement by-law, which is awaiting ratification by the cabinet. The new by-law has provisions for almost all types of 
government procurement with several key reform fe atures. It intends to … establish a policy and 
legislation unit, and a complaint remedy system.”  
Please elucidate how the complaint remedy system under the new by-law functions and confirm 
whether this system encompasses the appeal mechanism for public works and engineering 
services, as the current legislation, i.e. Regula tion of Government Works No. 71 of 1986, provides 
no appeal mechanism for public works and engineering services. 
 
To be provided later.  
 
Paragraph 3.104 (page 55) 
3.2.6.3 Qualifying industrial zones (QIZs) 
It states in this paragraph that “QIZs are design ated industrial parks in Egypt and Jordan from 
which goods can be exported duty-free and quota-fr ee to the United States.”  Which sectors does 
Jordan promote to invest in the QIZs?   A: All sectors can benefit from QIZs, The QIZ comprised mostly of the textiles and garment 
industry.  WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 54 - 
 
  Paragraph 4.22-04.23 (Page 73) 
4.1.3.2 Price-related measures 
Could Jordan explain more about the calculation of the administered price and the future action to 
make these measures conform to the Article 6 of the Agreement of Agriculture? 
 
Price support is highly affected by world market price, external fixed reference price depends on 
the interval period (97-99), therefore a huge ga p exists between actual world market price and 
external fixed price, the subsidy element is grossly overstated by comparing present day 
administered prices with fixed reference price period, which is unrealistic.  
 
Quantity purchased by government must meet spec ial standard and requirement, such as purity, 
injury percentage.  
 QUESTIONS REGARDING JORDAN'S REPORT (WT/TPR/G/325) 
 
Paragraph 4.7 (page 9) 
4.2 Doha Development Agenda (DDA) 
It is stated in this paragraph that “ ……. Jordan has to import approximately 90% of its needs in food including animal feeds.”   Thailand is the major net halal food exporting country and our policy is to be the kitchen of the 
world. We would like to expand our trade and investment in this sector as well as to transfer 
technology to Jordan. What is your policy to enhance our mutual trade and investment in this sector. 
 
A: Jordan welcomes expanding trade with Thailand and any investments in this promising sector, as well as technology transfer. 
 
ADDITIONAL WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM THAILAND 
 
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT (WT/TPR/S/325) 
 
3. Trade  Policies  and  Practices  Measure 
 
3.3.4  State-owned enterprises, privatization  and state trading 
3.3.4.1  SOEs  and privatization  process 
 
For those fields in which SOEs operate and are not yet opened for private investors, what is the 
government view on future competition in those fields?  How does the government set priority on which SOEs to be privatized?  Regarding the promotion of PPP policy design and project implementation in Jordan,  
does the government aim at promoting certain types of project or infrastructure in particular? What 
types of project are the main pr iorities? What is the rationale behind such prioritization? 
 
Answer 1 
The privatization program was concluded in 2010 and the privatization Law (No. 2 25 for the year 
2000) was replaced by law (No. 2 for the year 2015). The Government has no current plans to 
privatize any of the remaining state owned enterprises.  
 Answer 2  
 
The PPP law (No. 31 for the year 2014) was passed on November 2nd, 2014. According to article 
No. (7) of the law, the PPP unit was established under the Ministry of Finance.  
The PPP regulation which mainly covers the proc urement process of PPP projects and the project 
life cycle was endorsed by the cabinet and published in the official gazette on Nov 1
st, 2015. 
 
The PPP regulation has special provisions that co vers the implementation of small scale projects 
which were recently defined by the PPP council as projects with capital expenditures not exceeding 
15 million Jordanian Dinars. The regulation also covers procedures for dealing with direct unsolicited proposals. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 55 - 
 
  The PPP Unit is currently in the process of deve loping its pipeline of potential PPP projects, where 
several projects have been identified in different  sectors such as water, wastewater, environment 
and transport.  
In cooperation with the World Bank the unit is also developing a prioritization tool to classify 
projects using specific criteria which will include factors such as the economic and financial viability 
of each project, project size, the need for gove rnment funding, availability of funds and others 
 
QUESTIONS REGARDING JORDAN’S REPORT (WT/TPR/G/325)  4. Foreign Trade Policy 
4.1 Jordan and WTO 
 According to Article 4.3. on the Trade Policy Revi ew report by Jordan, could you please elaborate 
on the criteria of determination on green-lane tr eatment; for both, the expedited shipments free of 
and with de-minimis inspections? 
 
A: Imports are classified according to risk management criteria depending on 5 major components 
(country of origin, trader, history, food item, targeted population) and it's transparent and the procedures for dealing with the channels are clear. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 56 - 
 
  MISSING QUESTIONS 
WRITTEN QUESTIONS FROM THAILAND 
 Paragraph 3.69 (Page 47) 
3.17 Government Procurement 
It is narrated in this paragraph that “… Jordan is preparing a unified procurement by-law, which is awaiting ratification by the cabinet. The new by-law has provisions for almost all 
Types of government procurement with several ke y reform features. It intends to … establish a 
policy and legislation unit, and a complaint remedy system.”  Please elucidate how the complaint remedy system under the new by-law functions and confirm 
whether this system encompasses the appeal mechanism for public works and engineering 
services, as the current legislation, i.e. Regula tion of Government Works No. 71 of 1986, provides 
no appeal mechanism for public works and engineering services.   
 
A: The complaint remedy system is included in draft unified Government procurement legislation and is still under discussion. 
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 57 - 
 
  REPLIES TO MEXICO 
 
Report by the Secretariat  
Question 1. WT/TPR/S/325 • Jordan; Report by the Secretariat; 3 TRADE POLICIES AND 
PRACTICES BY MEASURE; 3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports; 3.1.6 Standards and other technical requirements; 3.1.6.1 Standards and tec hnical regulations; 3.1.6.1.1 Standardization. 
 
Paragraph 3.38. (Page 42) The Standards and Metrology Law No.22 of 2000 covers the preparation, adoption and application of stan dards, technical regulations, and conformity 
assessment procedures. Draft amendments, which aim to protect the health and safety of 
consumers and prevent deceptive practices including trade in counterfeit products, were discussed 
by Parliament and are waiting for approval by  the Senate. The draft amendments include new 
provisions on product safety, market surveillance activities, conformity mark and legal metrology, 
and penalties and sanctions. 
 In what consists the “conformity mark" and how can it be obtained? 
 
A: The Amendment of the Law no. 22/2000 on Standards and Metrology was endorsed by the 
Parliament and published in the official gazette on 02 August 2015.  Accordingly, the quality mark 
which is defined in the law is put on a product if this is required by the Technical Regulation that 
covers this product. This mark is fixed on a product according to instructions issued by JSMO's 
board of directors.  
Question 2. WT/TPR/S/325 • Jordan; Report by the Secretariat; 3 TRADE POLICIES AND 
PRACTICES BY MEASURE; 3.1 Measures that affect directly imports; 3.1.6 Standards and other technical requirements; 3.1.6.1 Standards and tec hnical regulations; 3.1.6.1.1 Standardization. 
 
Paragraph 3.39. (Page 42) The Jordanian Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) is the national standardization body and the TBT enquiry point. The procedure to develop national 
standards and technical regulations remains the same as in the previous Review. Jordan applies 
the Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Ad option, Application and Notification of Standards 
and Technical Regulations in accordance with the TBT Agreement. Standards and technical regulations may be proposed by any interested party, and prepared by technical committees 
comprising experts from interested parties in Jordan and are open for comments for 60 days. The 
JSMO is authorized to decide whether to approve national standards and technical regulations. Technical regulations may also be issued by other government bodies such as the Ministry of 
Environment, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, and the Ministry of Health. What 
is the procedure for the elaboration of nati onal standards and technical regulations of 
the Jordanian Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO)?  
A: Question is not clear.  Question 3. WT/TPR/S/325 • Jordan; Report by the Secretariat; 3 TRADE POLICIES AND 
PRACTICES BY MEASURE; 3.1 Measures that affect directly imports; 3.1.6 Standards and other 
technical requirements; 3.1.6.1 Standards and technical regulations; 3.1.6.1.2 TBT Notifications.  
Paragraph 3.43. (Page 43). Between January 2008 and August 2015, Jordan made 44 notifications 
on standards and technical regulations to the WTO. Among these, 39 were notified under Article 2.9 of the TBT Agreement. One notification was su bmitted by the MITS, on the import prohibition 
of automobiles with tinted glass with opacity above 10% (section 3.1.4). 16 The other 38 
notifications, on proposed technical regulation s, were submitted by the JSMO, each with a 
comment period of 60 days. The products concerned include household electronic appliances, automobiles, toys, and energy related products. According to these notifications, all draft technical 
regulations approximate EU regulations or directives. 
 What criteria are used to determine that all draft technical regulations issued by Jordan 
are similar to EU regulations or directives? 
 A: Not all technical regulations issued by Jordan are similar to EU regulations directives. Moreover, 
the reference of the Draft technical regulation and the type of adoption is mentioned clearly in the 
text of the TR. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 58 - 
 
  Question 4. WT/TPR/S/325 • Jordan; Report by the secretariat; 3 TRADE POLICIES AND 
PRACTICES BY MEASURE; 3.1 measures directly affecting imports; 3.1.6 Standards and other technical requirements; 3.1.6.1 Standards and technical regulations; 3.1.6.1.3 Conformity 
assessment, accreditation. 
 
Paragraph 3.46. (page 43) Jordan's accreditatio n system of conformity assessment bodies was 
designed to meet the requirements of the IS O/IEC 17011 standard for accreditation bodies. The 
draft Accreditation Law establishing an autonomous national accreditation body (“Jordan 
Accreditation Commission”) was recently withdrawn from the Parliament; according to the authorities, this was because the international requirements of the International Laboratory Accreditation Corporation (ILAC) regarding the independence of national accreditation bodies had 
changed. Thus, Jordan's accreditation system is still under the JSMO, although the Accreditation 
Unit is now connected directly to the JSMO's Board of Directors. A bylaw is under preparation to ensure the integrity and impartiality of the accreditation system, and to remove the conflicts of 
interest with other functions of the JSMO (such as  testing and certification activities). Amendments 
to the Law on Standards and Metrology expanded the scope of accreditation to include inspection bodies, from the current scope of including laboratories (testing, calibration and medical 
laboratories) and certification bodies. 
 What are the new requirements for the International Laboratory Accreditation 
Cooperation regarding the independence of national accreditation bodies?  
 
A: A Bylaw on Accreditation no. 18/ 2015 was approved by Cabinet and  issued in the official 
Gazette on  18 October 2015 to give the accreditation the needed impartiality and independence.  
 
Question 5. WT/TPR/S/325 • Jordan ; Report by the Secretariat; 3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE; 3.1 measures directly affecting imports; 3.1.6 Standards and other 
technical requirements; 3.1.6.1 Standards and technical regulations; 3.1.6.1.3 Conformity 
assessment, accreditation.  Paragraph 3.47. (page 43) After the termination of the Daman programme (the International 
Product Conformity Certification Program) on 1 September 2007, imported products are now 
subject to inspection, sampling and testing when necessary at the border, instead of inspection 
and testing in the country of supply. Locally-produced goods remain subject to inspection, 
sampling and testing when necessary. The percenta ge of inspection of imported products and 
domestically-produced ones is based on a risk assessment system within ASYCUDA. In accordance with this system, Customs declarations are automatically grouped into three channels, on the basis 
of the nature and origin of the product, the count ry of the exporter and the importer (Table 3.10). 
 How is the risk evaluated in the system in order to subject the imported products to inspection, sampling and testing at the border , instead of inspection and testing in the 
country of supply? 
 A: According to  5 major components (country of origin, trader, history, food item, targeted 
population). 
 Question 6. WT/TPR/S/325 • Jordan; Report by the Secretariat; 3 TRADE POLICIES AND 
PRACTICES BY MEASURE; 3.1 measures directly affecting imports; 3.1.6 Standards and other 
technical requirements; 3.1.6.1 Standards and te chnical regulations; 3.1.6.1.4 Labelling and 
packaging requirements  
Paragraph 3.51. (page 44) Labelling and packaging requirements are issued as technical 
regulations or voluntary standards. Labelling for food and toys must be in Arabic; for other products the label is in Arabic and/or English. 
 
Which are the voluntary standards and techni cal regulations that regulate the labelling 
and packaging? 
 
A: Please find attached a list of valid Standards and Technical Regulations that are issued by JSMO 
and regulates labelling and packaging. For update s you can find these information on JSMO's 
website:  www.jsmo,gov.jo.  
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 59 - 
 
  Report by Jordan 
 
Question 7. WT/TPR/G/325 • Jordan; Report by Jordan; 4 FOREIGN TRADE POLICY; 4.1 Jordan and WTO. 
 
Paragraph 4.3. (page 8) The Customs Law and the related agency, Jordan Customs Department, are the main pivotal point concerned with goods trading, import and export. The Customs 
Department upgraded its customs facilities and automated some of the paper-based customs 
system. It also adopted many concepts and practices of trade facilitation for a speedier flow of goods across borders. For example, the departme nt provides green-lane treatment to companies 
through expedited shipments free of or with de-minimis inspections upon arrival at ports of entry 
(Golden List program). Jordan's Customs leads in the Middle East in the single window 
implementation. Customs related laws, regulations, administrative rules, information on customs processes, conditions for importation, charges applicable under customs law, tariff rates, tariff 
classification opinions, and bilateral and regional trade agreements are all available in a 
transparent manner to operators. Furthermore, The Customs Department provides advance rulings based on requests from traders who seek clarification on specific matters, such as classification 
and applicable tariff rates. 
 What are the requirements / criteria for goods to be considered within the Golden List Program and have a free of or de-minimis inspection upon a rrival at the port of entry? 
Through which mean / way and in which languages the laws, regulations and 
administrative rules of Jordan’s customs system are made available for operators? 
 
A: Requirements of the GLP is related to the oper ators in the supply chain process, specifically 
(importers, exporters, warehouse operators, broker s..etc), each sector has its own criteria that 
should be met through defined measures. All laws and regulations are available in Arabic as it is 
the formal language in Jordan. However, some documents are available to operators in English. 
 Question 8. WT/TPR/G/325 • Jordan; Report by Jordan; 4 FOREIGN TRADE POLICY; 4.2 Doha Development Agenda (DDA). 
 
Paragraph 4.7. (page 9) On a parallel track, Jordan falls under the small and vulnerable economies (SVEs) and as a Net Food Importer Developing Coun try calls for additional flexibilities within the 
agriculture negotiations to assure food security elements for SVEs. As previously stated, Jordan 
has to import approximately 90% of its needs in food including animal feeds.  
What additional flexibilities on agriculture is Jordan exactly requesting within the DDA? 
 A: Jordan is committed to implement all the elem ents of the Bali Package, including those on 
agriculture. With much interest, we are looking forward to an agreement by members on the way 
forward for the basis of future negotiations. 
 Question 9. WT/TPR/G/325 • Jordan; Report by Jordan; 4 FOREIGN TRADE POLICY; 4.2 Doha 
Development Agenda (DDA). 
 Paragraph 4.8. (page 9) Moreover, the successf ul implementation of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreements is one of Jordan's priorities to ensu re the harmonization of legislation and improve the 
efficiency of supply chain logistics as well as the development and technical adjustment requirements. On the other hand, Jordan already implemented several parts of the Bali Agreement. Steady increase in trade, greater export diversification, enhanced foreign investment 
and improved national competitiveness are a few of  the many expected gains of this agreement. 
 What parts of the Bali Agreement Jordan has already implemented?  
 
A: Jordan notified its commitments under cate gory A in the document no WT/PCTF/N/JOR/1. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 60 - 
 
  Report by the Secretariat 
 
Question 1. WT/TPR/S/325 • Jordan; Report by the Secretariat; 2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME; 2.5 Investment regime. 
 
Paragraph 2.22. (Page 27) The Jordan Investment Commission (JIC) is responsible for promoting and facilitating investment in Jordan. According to the authorities, the JIC is formulating a new 
national investment strategy with an intention to enhance the one-stop shop. The board of 
directors of the JIC was replaced by the Investment Council from 2014, which is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes the following member s: the Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply; 
the Minister of Finance; the Minister of Labo ur; the Minister of Planning and International 
Cooperation; the Chairman of the Investment Commission; the Central Bank Governor; the Head 
of Jordan Chamber of Industry; and the Head of Jordan Chamber of Commerce. In addition, four 
representatives from the private sector are to be nominated by the Cabinet upon the 
recommendation of the Prime Minister. The term of these representatives is for two years, 
renewable for one extra term of 2 years. Their term may be terminated by nominating a substitute. 
 
Paragraph 2.23. (page 27) The JIC provides "one-stop services" to facilitate investors with all related administrative procedures including registration and licensing applications. It takes maximum 14 days for the one-stop shop to obtain from the concerned government bodies the 
necessary approval for registration and licences.  
 Mexico wants to know more details about the one-stop shop services that are currently 
offered to the investors to facilitate admini strative procedures. In addition, Mexico 
wants to know in what will consist the Ne w National Investment Strategy, which is 
being formulated by the Investment Commission. 
 
A: The One Stop Shop at Jordan Investment Commi ssion offers full service assistance for investors 
from licensing and registration services to gran ting financial exemptions as stipulated in the 
Investment Promotion Law No (30) of 2014. These exemptions from custom fees, sales taxes, and 
income tax breaks in addition to the After-care se rvices and policy advocacy create an attractive 
environment for investors and empower the commissi on to achieve its strategic goals. Moreover, 
the law empowers the One Stop Shop representatives to issue permits and licenses and provide 
information and services to investors. 
 To enhance transparency to investors, the Invest ment Commission is in the process of issuing a 
licensing manual that contains the conditions, procedures, requirements and legal periods for 
issuance of licenses.  The Government is working diligently to develop an “Investment Promotion Strategy” aiming at 
attracting FDIs in export-oriented manufacturing  production and services, high-value added and 
knowledge-based sectors.  
Question 2. WT/TPR/S/325 • Jordan; Report by the Secretariat; 4 COMMERCIAL POLICIES BY 
SECTOR; 4.3 Services; 4.3.2 Telecommunications  
Paragraph 4.102 (page 92). In 2006, the TRC issued a regulation on competition safeguards.68 
The regulation establishes procedures and criteria for determining anti-competitive practices. Such 
procedures aim to define terminology related to competition in the telecommunication sector, including market, market share, dominance, and abuse of dominant position.69 The regulation 
aims to provide a common framework for competition-related proceedings in the sector, including 
complaints, dispute settlement, and dominant licensees' obligations under the Telecommunications Law. 
 
Paragraph 4.103. (Page 92) The TRC's regulatory responsibilities include creating effective competition in the sector. This includes adopting legislation to achieve effective competition; 
implementing regulations for markets lacking effective competition, such as the fixed-phone 
subsector; adopting licensing instructions to simplify procedures; and handling complaints regarding anti-competition practices in coordination with the Competition Directorate under the MITS.70 Furthermore, there is a memorandum of  understanding between MITS and TRC regarding WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 61 - 
 
  competition cases in the sector. Additionally, TRC is also initiating a process of amending the 
competition safeguards instructions.  In this regard, does the complainant may go in differently to either of both authorities? 
What kind of coordination framework exists to ensure that anti-competitive practices 
are duly punished?  
A: The complainant may go to either or both authorities.  
 Both TRC and MITS agreed in the MoU that they will:  
 
1. Provide each other with the needed legal, economical and technical assistance.  
2. Consult each other before proceeding with an y decision related to a complaint submitted to 
both authorities. 
 
A: Telecommunications: Complainant may submit complaint to either the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission alleging anticompetitive be havior by a licensee, or to the Competition 
Directorate at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply. 
 According to article (16) of the competition law No. (33) for the year 2004 and its amendments, the punishment for anti-competitive practice will be determined in the court, according to article 
(20) of the competition law the amount of fines will not exceed 5% of the revenue. 
 In addition, Article (9(b)) of Safeguard Competition Instructions, TRC has some flexibility to 
impose appropriate sanctions pursuant to the Telecommunication lLow No. (13) for the year 1995 
and its amendments, and/or the terms of Licensee`s license in case licensee violate general prohibition of safeguard competition instructions.  
 
Report by Jordan 
 Question 3. WT/TPR/G/325 • Jordan; Report of Jordan; 3 SECTOR DEVELOPMENT; 3.4 Services. 
 
Paragraph 3.20. The Government has continued revising polices to execute its commitment to the ICT sector. As a provider of talent and skilled prof essionals, Jordan is witnessing significant growth 
in ICT in its liberal market. The sector generates income representing approximately 14% of the 
country's GDP. Amman is considered as the 10th best place to start a technology company in the world. Moreover the country also enjoys on -the-ground presence of global companies. 
 
In this regard, how many companies dedi cated to the development of information 
technologies and communication have been established in Jordan? And what kind of incentives exist for the technology compan ies in particular those related to the 
telecommunications and broadcasting  sectors to settle in Jordan? 
 A: According to the latest available data, ther e are 540 companies operation in the ICT markets 
(77 of which are in the Telecome market). 
 Incentives for those companies include: 
 
1. 3G and 4G equipment used to provide thos e services are exempted from customs during 
first deployment.  
2. The information technology sector has been added to the list of activities to benefit from the 
incentives and benefits offered by the investment Law; those include:  
Exemption of goods necessary for the economic activities of information technology services 
from customs duties and subject to the general sa les tax rate of (zero) if imported or locally 
purchased. 
 
All services needed for IT activities –if imported or locally purchased by the Information 
Technology activities are subject to general sales tax of 16%, where this tax will be returned to them within 30 days, by a written request to tax department. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 62 - 
 
  Reducing the income tax due on information technology services activities by 30% in all 
regions of the Kingdm for a period of 10 years,  renewable. SO that it becomes 14% instead of 
20%.  
The Central Bank of Jordan has expanded the umbrella of grants offered to the medium-
term economic sectors to include the information technology sector, where interest rate does not exceed 5%. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 63 - 
 
  REPLIES TO THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA 
 Secretariat Report (WT/TPR/S/325)  4. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR 
(4.3) SERVICES 
(4.3.1) Financial Services (4.3.1.1) Banking Sector 
 
Paragraph 4.70 states:  "The Jordan Deposits Insurance Corporation (JDIC) was created in 2011, as a public entity 
established to protect customer deposits of up to JD 50,000 for all licensed banks operating in the 
country. Membership of the Corporation is compulsory for all Jordanian banks and foreign branches operating in the country. Jordanian ba nks operating abroad are exempt from such 
requirements as well as licensed Islamic Banks operating in Jordan. The JDIC's capital is jointly 
paid through a government contribution of JD 1 million and JD 100,000 per member." 
 
Q1. What is your plan for including the Islamic bank in JDIC and how Islamic deposit insurance 
scheme will be different from JDIC?  A: The membership of all Jordanian banks and bran ches of foreign banks operating in Jordan is 
compulsory while the membership of Islamic banks is voluntary which gives the Islamic banks the 
discretion to join the Corporation in order to insure their deposits held by them. These Islamic banks decided not to join the Corporation because insuring Islamic deposits by conventional 
deposit insurance contradicts with Shariah principles. These deposits are not protected by JODIC 
where none of them is JODIC member as mentioned above.  
Q2. Could you please elaborate on the process and requirements if one of these banks decides to 
join JDIC?   A: Islamic banks licensed to operate in the Kingdom, unless any one of them decides to join the 
Corporation which is subject to Shariah principles and Fatwa as an essential prerequisite to the 
compulsory membership of Islamic banks was issued by the General Ifta' Department. WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 64 - 
 
  REPLIES TO ARGENTINA 
 
Translation  
Regarding the Trade Policy Review of Jordan, 
these questions reflect Argentina's interest on 
the Middle East-Asian countries' development. 
 
Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) 
Fishing Ships, which came from countries that 
subsidize fishing, were accused of plundering 
the Red Sea, in an evident manifestation of the 
predatory use of these subsidies, which 
perform overfishing and overexploitation of 
valuable species in international markets (in a 
maritime area where specially required 
resources such as Bluefin tuna are caught). In 
this context, Jordan enacted a protective 
regulation that guards fish resources on the 
framework of the Agriculture Code (Part IV, 
Articles 180 to186, Marine and Aquatic 
Resources). 
 
Therefore, Argentina would like to know: 
 
a) What actions are being taken by Jordan to 
tackle IUU?  
b) Could Jordan inform about recent cases of 
this type of fishing, especially the most 
harmful ones, and the flags of the ships that 
were involved in such cases? 
 
A: Please note that Jordan has small coast 
(27 Km), does not have fishing vessels and not 
allowed to enter such vessels to fishing in its territorial waters, and never be notified of such 
cases. 
 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS  
Could Jordan please provide details regarding 
the current situation of the amendments to the 
laws on rules, technical regulations and 
conformity assessment procedures, which by 
the end of August 2015 were awaiting approval 
from the Senate? (page 7 paragraph 6) 
 
A: The Amendment of the Law no. 22/2000 on Standards and Metrology was endorsed by the Parliament and published in the official gazette 
on 02 August 2015. In addition, a Bylaw on 
Accreditation no. 18/ 2015 was approved by Cabinet and issued in the official Gazette on  
18 October 2015 to give the accreditation the 
needed impartiality and independence.  
d) Can Jordan please provide more information 
on the Food Bill that is under review in 
Parliament? (page 44)  
 Con relación al Examen de Política Comercial 
de Jordania, estas preguntas expresan el 
interés de la República Argentina en el 
desarrollo de los países Asiáticos ubicados en 
la región de Oriente Medio.  
En razón de que buques de Pesca No Declarada 
No Reglamentada (INDNR) fueron acusados de 
depredar el mar Rojo, siendo provenientes de 
países que subvencionan la pesca y en clara 
manifestación del uso depredatorio de dichos 
subsidios, los cuales realizan sobre pesca y 
sobre explotación de especies muy valiosas en 
los mercados internacionales, estos fueron 
acusados de dicha acción (en un espacio 
marítimo donde se capturan recursos 
especialmente requeridos como el atún rojo). 
En ese contexto Jordania sancionó una 
normativa protectiva y tutelar sobre los 
recursos ictícolas en el Marco del Código de 
Agricultura (Parte IV, Artículos 180 al 186, 
sobre Recursos Marinos y Acuáticos).  
Por ello, la Argentina desearía conocer: 
 
a) ¿Cuáles son las acciones desarrolladas por 
Jordania a fin de enfrentar la pesca INDNR?  
b) ¿Podría informar sobre casos recientes, 
especialmente los más perjudiciales y los 
pabellones de los buques involucrados?  
PREGUNTAS ADICIONALES  
c) ¿Qué detalles podría ofrecer respecto al 
estado de situación de las enmiendas a las 
leyes relativas a las normas, reglamentos 
técnicos y procedimientos de evaluación, las 
cuales hacia fines de agosto de 2015 estaban 
esperando la aprobación del Senado? (pág. 7 
punto 6)  
d) ¿Podría brindar mayor información respecto 
al Proyecto de Ley de Alimentos que se 
encuentra en revisión en el Parlamento? (pag. 
44)  
e) El Documento de Agricultura 2009 
(Agriculture Document 2009) dice identificar 
los desafíos que enfrenta la agricultura 
jordana, al tiempo que incluye una amplia 
gama de programas para abordar estos 
problemas, tales como la mejora de la 
infraestructura, investigación y desarrollo, 
sanidad animal y vegetal, etc. 
¿En el marco de esos programas que se 
mencionan, se prevé impulsar acciones de 
cooperación? (pág. 72)  
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 65 - 
 
  Food law has been enacted and published in 
official gazette since 16/6/2015.  
It is the legal act for food safety. SPS-related acts are applied to the imported food; Food 
law, risk management criteria, golden trader 
program. Also to guarantee safety and quality of imported, exported and domestic food. 
 
e) Agricultural Document 2009 identifies the 
challenges that the Jordanian faces in  
agriculture, while including a wide range of 
programs to address these problems, such as 
improving infrastructure, research and 
development, animal health and vegetable, 
etc. 
 
In the framework of these programs 
mentioned, is Jordan expected to promote any 
cooperation plans? (P. 72)  A: Jordan welcomes international cooperation 
in areas related to agriculture.  
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 66 - 
 
  REPLIES TO TURKEY 
THE GOVERNMENT REPORT 
 
2.3 Investment and Investment Policy pg. 5, para. 2.15, 2.16  
 
It is stated in the Government Report that “ The new law gives the Jordan Investment Commission 
(JIC) the power and authority required to centralize and expedite all investment related 
procedures. The JIC is able to tailor specific geographic areas in the Kingdom for companies 
interested in establishing and managing sector-spe cific special economic zones, thus contributing 
to regional economic development. The law provides incentives for the following sectors: manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality, healthcare , entertainment cities, research centers, media 
production, convention centers and events, transport,  distribution and/or extraction of water, gas 
and oil derivatives using pipelines, air transport, sea transport and railways. ” 
 
Could Jordan kindly provide further information about the incentives? Could Jordan elaborate 
about incentive packages for each of the above mentioned sectors?  
A: The Cabinet issues positive lists for incentives as follow: 
a- Table No. (1/A) relating to the production inputs necessary for practicing  the economic, 
industrial or vocational activities which are exempted from customs duties, and are subject to  the applicable General Sales Tax Law  in ca se they were imported or purchased locally. 
b- Table No. (1/B) relating to production inputs. 
c- Table No. (1/C) relating to production requirements and fixed assets. 
d- Table No. (1/D) relating to dual use production requirements and fixed assets necessary for 
practicing the industrial or vocational economic activities which are exempted from  custom 
duties, and reduce the general percentage provided in the general sales tax to (zero percent). 
e- Table No. (2) relating to services which are subject to general sales tax in accordance with 
the provisions of the applicable General Sales Tax Law. 
f- Table No. (3) relating to the commodities  necessary for the below mentioned economic 
activities which are  exempted from custom duties and are subject to (zero percent) general 
sales tax when imported or purchased locally, namely: 
1- Agriculture and livestock 
2- Hospitals and specialized medical centers. 
3- Hotels and tourist facilities. 
4- Entertainment and tourist recreation facilities. 
5- Call centers. 
6- Scientific research centers and scientific laboratories. 
7- Artistic and media production. 
8- Conference and exhibition centers. 
9- Transport and/or distribution and/or extrac tion of water, gas and oil derivatives by 
using pipelines. 
10- Air transport, sea transport and railways. 
The income tax payable in the less developed regions of the Kingdom on the industrial, economic 
and vocational activities as well as the economic activities shall reduced not less than (30%) and 
provisions relating thereto  shall be specified pursuant to a regulation issued for that purpose, specifying the following:  
 
a- The regions which enjoy income tax reduction and the category of each region in accordance 
with the level of economic development thereto. 
 
b- The regions which enjoy income tax reduction and the category of each region in accordance 
with the level of economic development thereto. 
c- The economic activities that are excluded fr om benefiting from income tax reduction. 
d- The percentage of reduction enjoyed by the economic activity according to the region in which 
the activity is exercised. 
e-
 Basis, criteria and conditions of enjoyment of income tax reduction.  
f- Duration of enjoyment income tax reduction 
 
 
 
 WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 67 - 
 
  3.4 Services, p. 7, 3.18 
 
It is stated in the report that “ Given its relative political stability and its diverse range of tourism 
offerings, it is likely that the Kingdom will again become an established tourist destination in the 
Middle East, especially offering high quality and adequate medical services and treatment. Medical 
tourism generated more than US$1.41 billion in 2014. These revenues include patients' 
expenditure on medical procedures, accommoda tions, transportation and other expenses .”  
 
Could you please provide detailed information regarding the medical treatments at which Jordan is 
internationally competitive? 
 
A: Jordan’s strength lies in the following matters: 
 The high quality standards in healthcare in Jordan. Most of Jordanian private hospitals are 
accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), which ensures patients a quality 
health care experience, and underscores Jordan’s commitment to enhance all phases of the 
medical services sector. 
 Some of the most popular treatments include cosmetic surgery, neurological surgery, 
orthopedics, organ transplants and many others. 
 The Competitive costs, which come to as low as 10- 30 % of competitive countries costs 
 Investor-friendly business environment with world class medical infrastructure 
 The most convenient travel in which most nationalities do not even require a visa 
 
4.3 Regional and bilateral trade liberalization Pg. 9, Para. 4.10  
I t  i s  s t a t e d  i n  t h e  G o v e r n m e n t  R e p o r t  t h a t  “ In line with the WTO commitments and in 
complementarity to the efforts in the WTO, Jordan is also engaged into strengthening its bilateral 
ties with several countries and economic blocs. Jordan has free trade agreements with GAFTA 
U.S., EU, Canada, Turkey, Singapore, EFTA states. It is also part of the Agadir Agreement between 
Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco. Furthermore, Jordan is negotiating an FTA with Mexico.” 
 
Could Jordan please provide its position regarding concluding Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade 
Agreements, significantly extending the scope of its existing preferential trade agreements to 
include trade in services, government procurement, competition, intellectual property rights, 
investment protection and etc.? 
 
THE SECRETARIAT REPORT 
 
2.5 Investment Regime, pp. 27, para. 2.22 and para. 2.23  
 
It is mentioned in the report that “According to the authorities, the JIC is formulating a new 
national investment strategy with an intention to  enhance the one-stop shop.” “The JIC provides 
"one-stop services" to facilitate investors with all related administrative procedures including 
registration and licensing applications. It takes maximum 14 days for the one-stop shop to obtain 
from the concerned government bodies the necessary approval for registration and licences.”  
 
There is some unclear information about legislation implementing the new Investment Legislation. 
Can Jordan kindly comment about when the new implementing (i.e. secondary) legislation is 
expected to be put into force? Besides, will this secondary legislation bring any changes in 
delegation of authority among national bodies? 
 
A: All the Investment legislations are in place now, the new Investment Law No.30 for the year 
2014 and the One-Stop-Shop bylaw. 
 
There is a delegation of authorities from different government bodies to their representatives in 
the One-Stop-Shop. 
 
5. Appendix Tables, Table A3.1 Major In centives Schemes in Jordan, 2015, p.111 
 
It is stated that “ item 4: the following activities are exempted from the customs duties and are 
subject to 0% GST: agriculture and livestock; hospitals and comprehensive medical centres; hotels 
and tourist facilities; entertainment and tourist recreation cities; communication centres; scientific 
research centres and scientific labs; artistic and media production; conference and exhibition WT/TPR/M/325/Add.1 
 
- 68 - 
 
  centres; transport and/or distribution and/or extraction of water, gas and oil derivatives using 
pipelines; air transport, se a transport, and railways .”  
 
Could you please explain if there are other incentives provided for the healthcare sector? 
 
A: Hospitals and specialized medical centers are exempted from custom duties and are subject to (zero percent) general sales tax when imported or purchased locally,  
 
2.5 Investment Regime, pg. 27, para. 2.26  It is mentioned in the report that “Foreign investors in general have the same treatment as 
domestic investors, with some exceptions. Differences exist in: 
 - land ownership: land ownership for foreigners is  allowed in Jordan provided ownership is related 
to a business activity, except in free zones where land may only be leased; 
 - minimum capital requirements: foreign investment must have at least JD 50,000 of capital 
(about US$70,000), while the minimum capital requirement for domestic companies is JD 1; and 
 - prohibited or restricted sectors: some sectors are prohibited from foreign investment, and some have foreign equity restrictions of 50% or 49% (Table 2.4).”  
 
Does Jordan consider further improvement in its investment regime by removing abovementioned minimum capital requirements and foreign equity restrictions that affe ct foreign investment? 
 
A: For the time being no, such minimum capital will not affect FDI and in order to protect domestic investors in this strategic sectors. 
 
3.3.1 Incentives, pg. 55, para.2.27  It is stated in the report that  “The incentive scheme in Jordan is regulated under the Investment 
Law No. 30 of 2014. Incentives are provided under various schemes, both for different zones (such 
as defined zones of investment, preferential econom ic zones), and for certain sectors and activities 
(Table A3.1). The Council of Ministers may grant benefits and exemptions from tax and fees to an 
investment project for a period with conditions it deems appropriate. Although the Council of 
Ministers considers many factors (such as the develo pment impact of the project, R&D, increase in 
exports, transfer of technology, job creation, and geographical location), its prerogative to grant 
benefits and exemptions may create some uncertainty and may lead to questions on the 
transparency and effectivene ss of the incentive scheme.” 
 Under the incentive scheme of Jordan are there any different treatment between local investors 
and foreign investors? 
 A: No, all foreign investors enjoy equal treatment as a local investors. 
 
4.3 Regional and bilateral trade liberalization pg. 9, Para. 4.10  
 
Could Jordan please provide its position regarding concluding Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade 
Agreements, significantly extending the scope of its existing preferential trade agreements to 
include trade in services, government procurement, competition, intellectual property rights, investment protection and etc.? 
 
Answer: Jordan did not start any negotiations to expand the scope of any of its signed 
agreements.  
__________