GATS/SC/156  
 
5 September  2016 
(16-4698) Page: 1/22 
Trade in Services    
 
AFGHANISTAN  
SCHEDULE OF SPECIFIC  COMMITMENTS  
(This is authentic in English  only) 
 
 
_______________  
 
  
  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 2 - AFGHANISTAN  – SCHEDULE OF SPECIFIC  COMMITMENTS  
Mode of delivery:   (1)  Cross -border supply    (2)  Consumption abroad    (3)  Commercial presence    (4)   Presence of natural persons  
Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
I.  HORIZONTAL COMMITMENTS  
ALL SECTORS INCLUDED IN THIS 
SCHEDULE1  
 
Immovable property  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
(3) and (4) Onl y Afghan citizens and 
Afghan juridical persons have the right to 
own immovable property in Afghanistan.  
 
(3) and (4) Foreign citizens or juridical 
persons conducting  legal activities in 
Afghanistan could lease land from the 
state for up to 90 years (which could be 
extended).   
 
 
As per Law on Mortgage of Immovable 
Property of  27 July 2009  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidies and other forms of state 
support  
 
 
  (1), (2), (3), (4) Unbound.  Subsidies 
and other forms of support is limited only 
to the citizens of Afghanistan and/ or 
juridical persons of Afghanistan which 
are fully owned by Afghans.   
Services procured by a Contractor 
pursuant to the Oil and Gas 
(Hydrocarbon) Law   (1), (2), (3), (4)   
Until 31 December 2020, Afghanistan 
may require Contractors to procure 
Afghan serv ices that are similar and 
equivalent in quality, quantity, and price 
to foreign services.   
Services procured by a License Holder 
pursuant to the Afghan Mineral Law   (1), (2), (3), (4)   
Until 31  December  2020,  
Afghanistan may require a license holder 
to give priority the procurement of 
Afghan services provided they are 
substantially equivalent to foreign 
services in terms of quantity, quality and 
price.   
                                                
1 The restrictions outlined in the horizontal section are applicable to all sectors in this schedule even if simply “none” is s pecified under the rel evant mode in the sector 
specific commitments below.   
  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 3 - Mode of delivery:   (1)  Cross -border supply    (2)  Consumption abroad    (3)  Commercial presence    (4)   Presence of natural persons  
Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
Movement of natural persons  (4) Unbound, except as indicated below 
concerning the temporary entry and 
stay of natural persons:  
 
I.  Intra-corporate transferees 
(executives, managers and 
specialists)   
 
("Intra -corporate transferee" shall mean 
a person employed by a legal entity 
other than  a non -profit organization 
established in the territory of WTO 
Member,  and who seeks temporary stay 
in order to supply services in Afghanistan 
through the commercial presence of his 
employer)  
A natural person, employed by a legal 
entity or who had participation in it (but 
did not hold the controlling interest) for a 
period o f not less than one year, who 
seeks temporary stay in order to render 
service to that legal entity's branch, 
affiliate or subsidiary engaged in similar 
business operations in the territory of 
Afghanistan.  
 
 
(a) Executives:   Individuals in the 
organization who mainly carry out 
direct management of the legal 
entity or set objectives and 
determine policies of the legal entity 
or the main component or functions 
of the legal entity, who have broad 
decision -making authority and are 
subject only to general supervision  
or guidance on the part of senior 
executives, the board  of directors or 
the shareholders of the legal entity.  
 
    
  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 4 - Mode of delivery:   (1)  Cross -border supply    (2)  Consumption abroad    (3)  Commercial presence    (4)   Presence of natural persons  
Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
(b) Managers:  Individuals in the 
organization who manage the legal 
entity or department or division of 
the legal entity, carry out contro l 
over work of other supervisory, 
professional or administrative 
personnel, have powers to hire and 
dismiss personnel or recommend 
the hire, dismissal or other 
personnel actions as well as carry 
out their personal authority in 
respect of day -to-day activit ies of 
the organization.   
 
(c) Specialists:  Individuals in the 
organization who possess 
knowledge at an advanced level of 
expertise and a proprietary 
knowledge of the entity's products, 
services, operations, or 
management techniques.  This 
knowledge shou ld reflect the 
required academic credentials and 
professional qualifications in 
Afghanistan for performing work 
within the scope of the particular 
profession.   
 
Entry for persons named in section (I) is 
permitted for a period of one year.  This 
period may  be extended annually without 
restrictions . 
 
  
  GATS/SC/156  
 
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Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
II.  Other essential persons  
 
(a)  Services sellers  
 
A natural person, who temporarily stays 
in Afghanistan and who comes to 
Afghanistan for the purposes of 
participating in business meetings 
including nego tiations in business 
contracts for the sale of services, and/or 
other similar activities.  
 
Such a service seller  shall not engage in 
direct sales or supply of services to the 
general public   
 
Entry and temporary stay for the foreign 
individuals specified i n paragraph (II)(a) 
is permitted for 180  days during one 
year period.  
 
(b)  Persons responsible for the 
establishment of commercial 
presence in Afghanistan  
 
A natural person employed by a service 
supplier or responsible for the 
establishment of commercial presence in 
the following cases:  
- representatives of a service supplier 
are not engaged in direct supplies 
or sales of services; or  
- representatives of a service supplier 
are employed by an enterprise that 
does not have an affiliate or 
subsidiary in Afg hanistan.  
 
Entry for persons named in 
section  (II)(b) is permitted for a period 
of one year.  This period may be 
extended annually without restrictions.  
 
  
  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 6 - Mode of delivery:   (1)  Cross -border supply    (2)  Consumption abroad    (3)  Commercial presence    (4)   Presence of natural persons  
Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
(c) Persons who provide services 
without establishing commercial 
presence in Afghanistan (direct 
provision of services)  
 
A natural person, who temporarily stays 
in Afghanistan and who comes to 
Afghanistan in accordance with a 
contract for direct provision of services 
and satisfies the requirements of 
professional qualifications, indicated in 
paragraph  I(c) above.  
 
Entry and temporary stay for the foreign 
individuals specified in paragraph (II)(c) 
is permitted for 180  days during one 
year period.  
 
II. SECTOR SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS  
I.  BUSINESS SERVICES  
1.  Professional Services   
(a) Legal Services  
-  Advisory services on foreign and 
international law only  
 (part of CPC 861)  
- Foreign lawyers can only represent 
foreign natural persons and foreign 
legal persons in Afghanistan which 
are headed by foreign nationals   
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbou nd, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
(b) Accounting and bookkeeping 
services  
 (CPC 862 (except CPC 86211))  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound,  except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
- Auditing services  
 (CPC 86211)  (1) None, except official audit reports 
must be confirmed by an auditor or 
auditing  firm of Afghanistan.   
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
 
 
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.     
  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 7 - Mode of delivery:   (1)  Cross -border supply    (2)  Consumption abroad    (3)  Commercial presence    (4)   Presence of natural persons  
Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
(c) Taxation services (excluding legal 
services)  
 (CPC 863) (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(d) Architectural services  
 (CPC 8671)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None. 
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(e) Engineering services  
 (CPC 8672)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indic ated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(f) Integrated engineering services  
 (CPC 8673)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal  section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(g) Urban planning and landscape 
architecture services  
 (CPC 8674)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal se ction.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
2.  Computer and Related Services  
(a) Consultancy services related to the 
installation of computer hardware  
 (CPC 841)   
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(b) Software implementation services  
 (CPC 842)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(c) Data processing services  
 (CPC 843)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal se ction.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.     
  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 8 - Mode of delivery:   (1)  Cross -border supply    (2)  Consumption abroad    (3)  Commercial presence    (4)   Presence of natural persons  
Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
(d) Data base services  
 (CPC 844)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None. 
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(f) Other computer services:  
 
 -  Maintenance and repair services  
of office machinery and 
equipment including computers 
(CPC 845)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indica ted in the 
horizontal section.   
 (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
 - Data preparation services  
  (CPC 849)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal sectio n.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
3.  Research and Development 
Services  
(a) R&D services on natural science  
 (CPC 851)  
  
 
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the  
horizontal section.    
 
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(b) R&D services on social science and 
humanities  
 (CPC 852)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(c) Interdisciplinary R&D services  
 (CPC 853)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None. 
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
5.  Rental/Leasing Services without 
Operators  
(a) Relating to ships  
 (CPC 83103)  
  
 
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal sec tion.    
 
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.     
  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 9 - Mode of delivery:   (1)  Cross -border supply    (2)  Consumption abroad    (3)  Commercial presence    (4)   Presence of natural persons  
Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
(c) Relating to other transport 
equipment  
 (CPC 83101+83102)  
 (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(d) Relating to other machinery and 
equipment  
 (CPC 83106 -83109)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(e) Leasing or rental services 
concerning household goods    
 (CPC 832)  (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None except that foreign 
investment should be no less than 
Afs 6 Million (around US$120,000) 
adjusted for inflation.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
 
 
 
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
6.  Other Business Services  
(a) Advertisin g services  
 (CPC 871)   
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(b) Market research and public opinion 
polling  services  
 (CPC 864)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(c) Management consulting service  
 (CPC 865)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(d)  Services related to management 
consulting  
 (CPC 866)  (1) None.  
(2) None. 
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(e) Technical testing and analysis 
services  
 (CPC 8676)  
 (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.     
  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 10 - Mode of delivery:   (1)  Cross -border supply    (2)  Consumption abroad    (3)  Commercial presence    (4)   Presence of natural persons  
Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
(g)  Services incidental to fishing  
 (CPC 882)  
 (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except a s indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(h) Services incidental to mining  
 (CPC 883+5115) only with respect 
to consulting services  
 
 (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None. 
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(i) Services incidental to manufacturing  
(CPC 884+885 except 88442)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(j) Services incidental to energy 
distribution  
 (CPC 887) only with respect to 
consulting serv ices 
 (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
(m) Related scientific and technical 
consulting services  
 (CPC 8675)  
 (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(n) Maintenance and repair of 
equipment (not including mar itime 
vessels, aircraft or other 
transportation equipment)  
 (CPC 8861 -8866)  (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None except that foreign 
investment should be no less than 
Afs 6 Million (around US$120,000) 
adjusted for inflation.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
 
 
 
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(o) Building -cleaning services  
 (CPC 874)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section .   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(p) Photographic services (except for 
aerial photography)  
 (CPC 875)  (1)  Unbound  
(2)  None.  
(3)  None.  
(4)  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal se ction.   (1)  Unbound  
(2)  None.  
(3)  None.  
(4)  Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.     
  GATS/SC/156  
 
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Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
(q) Packaging services  
 (CPC 876)  
 (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(s) Convention services  
 (CPC 87909)*  
 (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except a s indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
II.  COMMUNICATION SERVICES  
2. Courier services2 
 (CPC 7512)  
 (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indic ated in the 
horizontal section.    
3. Telecommunication services  
Unless otherwise specified, the commitments scheduled by Afghanistan in this sector are based on the principles in the follow ing two documents:  "Notes for Scheduling Basic 
Telecom Services  Commitments" (S/GBT/W/2/Rev.1) and "Market Access Limitations on Spectrum Availability" (S/GBT/W/3)  
Basic Telecommunications Services  
(a) Voice telephone services  
 (CPC 7521)   
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizont al section.   
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.  The attached Reference Paper on 
regulatory principles is incorporated as 
additional commitments by Afghanistan.  
 
 
(b) Packet -switched data transmission 
services  
 (CPC 7523**)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
(c) Circuit -switched data transmission 
services  
 (CPC 7523**)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
                                                
2 For the purposes of this schedule, courier services include the collection, transport, and delivery of documents, printed mat ter, and/or parcels on an expedited basis, while 
tracking and maintaining co ntrol of these items throughout the supply of the service.  This commitment does not include maritime transport services or s ervices to which the Annex 
on Air Transport Services applies.   
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Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
(d) Telex services  
 (CPC 7523**)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
(e) Telegraph services  
 (CPC 7522)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indi cated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
(f) Facsimile services  
 (CPC 7521**+7529**)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal se ction.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
(g) Private leased circuit services  
 (CPC 7522**+7523**)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.  (1) None. 
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.  
(o) Other  
- Mobile voice and data services  
 (CPC 75213)  
- Paging services  
 (CPC 75291)  
- Teleconferencing services  
 (CPC 75292)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound,  except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
Value -added Telecommunications 
Services  
(h) Electronic mail  
 (CPC 7523**)   
 
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
 
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(i) Voice mail  
 (CPC 7523**)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(j) On-line information and database 
retrieval  
 (CPC 7523**)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal sec tion.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.     
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Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
(k) Electronic data interchange (EDI)  
 (CPC 7523**)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(l) Enhanced/Value -added facsimile 
services, including store and 
forward, store and retrieve  
 (CPC 7523*)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None, except for limitations outlined 
under voice telephone services  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
 
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(m) Code and protocol conversion  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbou nd, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(n) On-line information services and/or 
data processing (including 
transaction processing)  
 (CPC 843**)  (1) None. 
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
4. Audiovisual Services  
(a) Motion picture and home video 
entertainment (in cluding video 
tapes and digitally encoded video) 
distribution services (CPC 96113) to 
other industries for public 
entertainment, television 
broadcasting, or sale or rental to 
others.   
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None except foreign investment 
should be no less  than Afs 6 Million 
(around US$120,000) adjusted for 
inflation.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) Unbound.  
 
 
 
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
III.  CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED EN GINEERING SERVICES  
For mode 3, foreign investment should be no less than Afs 6 Million (around US$120,000) adjusted for inflation  
(a) General construction work for 
buildings (CPC 512)  (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in th e 
horizontal section.   (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(b) General Construction work for civil 
engineering  
 (CPC 513)  
 
 (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None 
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in th e 
horizontal section.   (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.     
  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 14 - Mode of delivery:   (1)  Cross -border supply    (2)  Consumption abroad    (3)  Commercial presence    (4)   Presence of natural persons  
Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
(e) Renting services related to 
equipment for construction  
 (CPC 518)  (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated  in the 
horizontal section.   (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
IV.  DISTRIBUTION SERVICES  
The commitments below do not apply to distribution services related to pharmaceutical goods, medical a nd orthopaedic goods (CPC 63211); and medical equipment.  
For mode 3, foreign investment should be no less than Afs 6 Million (around US$120,000) adjusted for inflation  
(a) Commission agents' services  
 (CPC 621)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(b) Wholesale trade services  
 (CPC 622)  
 (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
 
 
(c) Retailing services  
 (CPC 631+632+6111+6113 + 
6121)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal s ection.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(d) Franchising  
 (CPC 8929)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
V. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES  
Commitments under educational services are limited to privately funded education services and exclude public education funded  from government resources  
(a) Primary educa tion services  
 (CPC 921)  
 
 
 (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(b) Secondary education services  
 (CPC 922 ) (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.     
  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 15 - Mode of delivery:   (1)  Cross -border supply    (2)  Consumption abroad    (3)  Commercial presence    (4)   Presence of natural persons  
Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
(c) Higher education services  
 (CPC 923)  
 (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None. 
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(d) Adult education services  
 (CPC 924)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as ind icated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(e) Other education services  
 (CPC 929) including training 
services (e.g., language training; 
driver's education; 
executive/ma nagement training; 
information technology training); 
education testing services  
after-school courses; educational 
programs offered during school 
breaks; tutoring and preparatory 
courses.  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the  
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
VI.  ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES  
(a) Sewage services  
 (CPC 9401)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizont al section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(b) Refuse disposal services  
 (CPC 9402)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None. 
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(c) Sanitation and similar services  
 (CPC 9403)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(d) Other  
 
- Cleaning services of exhaust gases  
 (CPC 9404)  
 (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, exc ept as indicated in the 
horizontal section.     
  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 16 - Mode of delivery:   (1)  Cross -border supply    (2)  Consumption abroad    (3)  Commercial presence    (4)   Presence of natural persons  
Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
- Noise and vibration Abattement 
(Services (CPC 9405)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated  in the 
horizontal section.    
- Remediation and clean -up of soil 
and waters , protection of 
biodiversity and landscape (CPC 
9406)  
 (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
VII. FINANCIAL SERVICES  
1. All insurance services and 
insurance -related services  
(i) Direct insurance (including co -
insurance):  
 (A) Life insurance services   
 
(1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
 
(1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
 (B) Non-life insurance services  (1) Unbound except for insurance of 
risks relating to marine s hipping, 
commercial aviation and space 
launching and freight (including 
satellites), with such insurance to 
cover any or all of the following: the 
goods being transported, the 
vehicle transporting the goods and 
any liability arising therefrom; and 
goods in  international transit where 
none for all above in 6 years after 
the date of accession to the WTO.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) Unbound, except as for services 
covered in the MA column, where 
none in  10 years after the date of 
accession to the WTO.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(ii) Reinsurance and retrocession 
services  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.     
  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 17 - Mode of delivery:   (1)  Cross -border supply    (2)  Consumption abroad    (3)  Commercial presence    (4)   Presence of natural persons  
Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
(iii) Insurance intermediation, such as 
brokerage and agency  (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizo ntal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(iv) Services auxiliary to insurance, 
such as consultancy, actuarial, risk 
assessment and claim settlement 
services  (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None. 
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
2. Banking and other financial 
services (excluding insurance)    
(v) Acceptance of deposits and o ther 
repayable funds from the public   
 
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None for internationally reputable 
banks and specialized banks. 
Unbound for others.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
 
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
 
 
(4) Unbound , except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(vi) Lending of all types, including 
consumer credit, mortgage credit, 
factoring and financing of 
commercial transactions  
  (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizo ntal section.   (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(viii) All payment and money 
transmission services, including 
credit, charge and debit cards, 
travellers cheques and bankers 
drafts  (1) None ex cept that Afghanistan has 
the right to impose limits on the 
amount of monies that can be 
transferred.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None except that Afghanistan has 
the right to impose limits on the 
amount of monies that can be 
transferred.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.     
  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 18 - Mode of delivery:   (1)  Cross -border supply    (2)  Consumption abroad    (3)  Commercial presence    (4)   Presence of natural persons  
Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
(vii) Financial leasing  
 
(ix) Guarantees and commitments  
 
(x) Trading for own account or for 
account of customers, whether on 
an ex change, in an over -the-
counter market or otherwise, the 
following:  
 - money market instruments 
(including cheques, b ills, 
certificates of deposits)  (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) Unbound.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   
 
 (1) None. 
(2) None.  
(3) Unbound.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
 - foreign exchange  
 - derivative products, including, 
but not limited to, futures and 
options  
 - exchange rate and interest rate 
instruments, including products 
such as swaps, forward rate 
agreements  
 - transferable securities  
 
 - other negotiable  instruments, 
including bullion     
(xi)  Participation in issues of all kinds of 
securities, including underwriting 
and placement as agent (whether 
publicly or privately) and  provision 
of services related to such issues  
(xii) Money broking     
(xiii) Asset management, such as cash or 
portfolio management, all forms of 
collective investment management, 
pension fund management, 
custodial depository and trust 
services   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section   
(xiv) Settlement and clearing services for 
financial assets, including securities, 
derivative products, and other 
negotiable instruments  
 (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.     
  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 19 - Mode of delivery:   (1)  Cross -border supply    (2)  Consumption abroad    (3)  Commercial presence    (4)   Presence of natural persons  
Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
(xv) Provisi on and transfer of financial 
information, financial data 
processing and related software by 
suppliers of other financial services  
 
(xvi) Advisory, intermediation and other 
auxiliary financial services on all the 
activities, listed in paragraphs (v) -
(xv), i ncluding credit reference and 
analysis, investment and portfolio 
research and advice, advice on 
acquisitions and on corporate 
restructuring and strategy  
 (1) None, except for intermediation.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
VIII. HEALTH RELATED AND SOCIAL SERVICES  
(a) Hospital services, including Hospital 
Management Services  
 (CPC 9311)  (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None. 
(4) Unbound  (1) Unbound.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound   
IX. TOURISM AND TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES  
(a) Hotels and restaurants (including 
catering), including Hotel 
Management Services  
 (CPC 641 -643) (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
X. RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTING SERVICES  
(d) Sporting services (CPC 9641) and 
other recreational services  
 (CPC 9649) excluding gambling and 
betting services  
 (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
XI. TRANSPORT SERVICES  
1. Maritime Transport Services 
(CPC 7211 -7214, 745**, 8868**)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
3. Air Tra nsport Services   
(a) Aircraft repair and maintenance 
services (CPC 8868)   
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.      
  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 20 - Mode of delivery:   (1)  Cross -border supply    (2)  Consumption abroad    (3)  Commercial presence    (4)   Presence of natural persons  
Sectors and sub -sectors  Limitations on market access  Limitations on national treatment  Additional commitments  
(b) Sales and marketing of air transport 
services  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(c) Computer Re servation System 
(CRS) ( as defined in the Annex in 
Air Transport )  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
8.  Services auxiliary to all modes 
of transport .  
(a) Cargo handling services  
 (CPC741)   
 
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
 
(1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(b)  Storage and warehouse services  
 (CPC 742)  (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
(c) Freight transport agency services  
 (CPC 748)  
 (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.   (1) None.  
(2) None.  
(3) None.  
(4) Unbound, except as indicated in the 
horizontal section.    
 
 
_______________  
 GATS/SC/156  
 
- 21 - 
 
  REFERENCE PAPER  
Scope  
The following are definitions and principles on the regulatory framework for the basic 
telecommunications services.   
Definitions  
Users  mean service consumers and service suppliers.   
Essential facilities  mean facilities of a public tel ecommunications transport network or service that  
 (a) are exclusively or predominantly provided by a single or limited number of suppliers; 
 and, 
 (b) cannot feasibly be economically or technically substituted in order to provide a service.  
A major suppli er is a supplier which has the ability to materially affect the terms of participation 
(having regard to price and supply) in the relevant market for basic telecommunications services as 
a result of:  
 (a) control over essential facilities; or , 
 (b) use of its position in the market.  
1. Competitive safeguards  
1.1 Prevention of anti -competitive practices in telecommunications  
Appropriate measures shall be maintained for the purpose of preventing suppliers who, alone or 
together, are a major supplier from enga ging in or continuing anti -competitive practices.  
1.2 Safeguards  
The anti -competitive practices referred to above shall include in particular:  
 (a) engaging in anti -competitive cross -subsidization;   
 (b) using information obtained from competitors with an ti-competitive results; and , 
(c) not making available to other services suppliers on a timely basis technical  information 
about essential facilities and commercially relevant information which are necessary for 
them to provide services.  
2. Interconnection  
2.1 This section applies to linking with suppliers providing public telecommunications transport 
networks or services in order to allow the users of one supplier to communicate with  users of 
another supplier and to access services provided by another supp lier, where specific 
commitments are undertaken.  
2.2 Interconnection to be ensured  
Interconnection with a major supplier will be ensured at any technically feasible point in the network.  
Such interconnection is provided.  
(a) under non -discriminatory terms , conditions (including technical standards and 
specifications) and rates and of a quality no less favourable than that provided for its 
own like services or for like services of non -affiliated service suppliers or for its 
subsidiaries or other affiliates;  GATS/SC/156  
 
- 22 - 
 
  (b) in a timely fashion, on terms, conditions (including technical standards and 
specifications) and cost -oriented rates that are transparent, reasonable, having regard 
to economic feasibility, and sufficiently unbundled so that the supplier need not pay for 
network components or facilities that it does not require for the service to be provided; 
and, 
(c) upon request, at points in addition to the network termination points offered to the 
majority of users, subject to charges that reflect the cost of const ruction of necessary 
additional facilities.  
2.3 Public availability of the procedures for interconnection negotiations  
The procedures applicable for interconnection to a major supplier will be made publicly available.  
2.4 Transparency of interconnection ar rangements  
It is ensured that a major supplier will make publicly available either its interconnection agreements 
or a reference interconnection offer.  
2.5 Interconnection:  dispute settlement  
A service supplier requesting interconnection with a major supp lier will have recourse, either:  
 (a) at any time; or , 
(b) after a reasonable period of time which has been made publicly known  to an 
independent domestic body, which may be a regulatory body as referred to in 
paragraph 5 below, to resolve disputes regardi ng appropriate terms, conditions and 
rates for interconnection within a reasonable period of time, to the extent that these 
have not been established previously.  
3. Universal service  
Any Member has the right to define the kind of universal service obligati on it wishes to maintain.  
Such obligations will not be regarded as anti -competitive per se , provided they are administered in a 
transparent, non -discriminatory and competitively neutral manner and are not more burdensome 
than necessary for the kind of uni versal service defined by the Member.  
4. Public availability of licensing criteria  
Where a licence is required, the following will be made publicly available:  
(a) all the licensing criteria and the period of time normally required to reach a decision 
conce rning an application for a licence; and , 
 (b) the terms and conditions of individual licences.  
The reasons for the denial of a licence will be made known to the applicant upon request.  
5. Independent regulators  
The regulatory body is separate from, and not  accountable to, any supplier of basic 
telecommunications services.  The decisions of and the procedures used by regulators shall be 
impartial with respect to all market participants.  
6. Allocation and use of scarce resources  
Any procedures for the allocat ion and use of scarce resources, including frequencies, numbers and 
rights of way, will be carried out in an objective, timely, transparent and non -discriminatory manner.  
The current state of allocated frequency bands will be made publicly available, but detailed 
identification of frequencies allocated for specific government uses is not required.  
 
__________