WT/TPR/S/374/Rev.1  
3 October 2018  
(18-6112) Page: 1/145 
Trade Policy Review Body   
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
REPORT BY THE SECRET ARIAT  
URUGUAY  
Revision  
This report, prepared for the fifth Trade Policy Review of Urugua y, has been drawn up by the 
WTO Secretariat on its own responsibility. The Secretariat has, as required by the Agreement 
establishing the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (Annex 3 of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing 
the World Trade Organization), sought clarification from Uruguay on its trade policies and pra ctices.  
 
Any technical questions arising from this report may be addresse d to Mr Angelo Silvy (tel.:  022 739 
5249) and Ms Eugenia Lizano ( tel.: 022 739 6578).  
 
Document WT/TPR/G/374 contains the policy statement submitted by Uruguay.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: This report was drafted in Spanish.  
  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
 
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  CONTENTS  
SUMMARY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  7 
1   ECONOMIC ENVIRON MENT  ................................ ................................ ........................  13 
1.1   Main features of the economy  ................................ ................................ ...................... 13 
1.2   Recent economic developments  ................................ ................................ .................... 16 
1.2.1    Production and employment  ................................ ................................ ...................... 16 
1.2.2    Fiscal policy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 18 
1.2.3    Monetary and exchange -rate policy  ................................ ................................ ............ 21 
1.2.4    Balance of  payments  ................................ ................................ ................................ 22 
1.3   Trade and investment performance  ................................ ................................ ............... 25 
1.3.1    Trends and patterns in trade in goods and services  ................................ ...................... 25 
1.3.1.1    Trade performance  ................................ ................................ ................................ 25 
1.3.1.2    Composition of merchandise trade  ................................ ................................ .......... 25 
1.3.1.3    Direction of merchandise trade  ................................ ................................ ............... 26 
1.3.1.4    Trade in services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...28 
1.3.2    Trends and patterns in foreign direct investment  ................................ ......................... 28 
2   TRADE AND INVEST MENT REGIMES ................................ ................................ ...........  31 
2.1   General legal framework  ................................ ................................ ............................. 31 
2.2   Trade policy formulation and objectives  ................................ ................................ ......... 32 
2.3   Trade agreements and arrangements  ................................ ................................ ............ 34 
2.3.1    WTO ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 34 
2.3.2    Regional and preferential agreements  ................................ ................................ ........ 35 
2.3.2.1    MERCOSUR  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 35 
2.3.3    Other agreements and arrangements  ................................ ................................ ......... 36 
2.4   Investment regime  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....37 
3   TRADE POLICIES A ND PRACTICES BY MEAS URE ................................ ........................  41 
3.1   Measures directly affecting imports  ................................ ................................ ............... 41 
3.1.1    Customs procedures and requirements and customs valuation  ................................ ......41 
3.1.2    Rules of origin  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 46 
3.1.3    Tariffs  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 48 
3.1.3.1    Tariff structure  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....48 
3.1.3.2   Tariff bindings  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......50 
3.1.3.3    Tariff quotas  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 50 
3.1.3.4    Preferential tariffs  ................................ ................................ ................................ .50 
3.1.3.5    Tariff concessions  ................................ ................................ ................................ .52 
3.1.4    Other charges affecting imports  ................................ ................................ ................. 53 
3.1.5    Import prohibitions, restrictions and licensing  ................................ ............................. 57 
3.1.6    Anti-dumping, coun tervailing and safeguard measures  ................................ ................. 59 
3.1.6.1    Anti-dumping measures  ................................ ................................ ......................... 59 
3.1.6.2    Countervailing measures  ................................ ................................ ........................ 61 WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
 
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  3.1.6.3    Safeguard measures  ................................ ................................ ............................. 61 
3.2   Measures directly affecting exports  ................................ ................................ ............... 61 
3.2.1    Customs procedures and requirements  ................................ ................................ .......61 
3.2.2    Taxes, charges and levies  ................................ ................................ ......................... 64 
3.2.3    Export prohibitions, restrictions and licensing  ................................ .............................. 64 
3.2.4    Support for exports and export promotion  ................................ ................................ ..65 
3.2.5    Export financing, insurance and guarantees  ................................ ................................ 68 
3.3   Measures affecting production and trade  ................................ ................................ .......68 
3.3.1    Incentives  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 68 
3.3.2    Standards and other technical requirements  ................................ ............................... 70 
3.3.3    Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  ................................ ................................ ....73 
3.3.4    Competition policy and price controls  ................................ ................................ ......... 76 
3.3.4.1    Competition policy  ................................ ................................ ................................ 76 
3.3.4.2    Price controls ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 79 
3.3.5    State trading, state -owned enterprises and privatization  ................................ .............. 80 
3.3.6    Government procurement  ................................ ................................ ......................... 80 
3.3.7    Intellectual property rights  ................................ ................................ ........................ 85 
3.3.7.1    Industrial property  ................................ ................................ ................................ 86 
3.3.7.1.1    Patents and utility models  ................................ ................................ ................... 86 
3.3.7.1.2    Layout -designs of integrated circuits  ................................ ................................ ....87 
3.3.7.1.3    Trademarks  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......88 
3.3.7.1.4    Geographical indications  ................................ ................................ ..................... 88 
3.3.7.1.5    Plant varieties  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....88 
3.3.7.2    Copyright and related rights  ................................ ................................ ................... 89 
3.3.7.3    Provisions for enforcement of IPRs  ................................ ................................ .......... 89 
4   TRADE POLICIES B Y SECTOR  ................................ ................................ .....................  91 
4.1   Agriculture, forestry and fisheries  ................................ ................................ ................. 91 
4.1.1    Features, objectives and institutional framework  ................................ ......................... 91 
4.1.2    Policy instruments  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...93 
4.1.2.1    Border measures  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..93 
4.1.2.2   Domestic support measures  ................................ ................................ ................... 94 
4.2   Mining and energy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......97 
4.2.1    General features  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......97 
4.2.2    Hydrocarbons  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 98 
4.2.3    Electricity  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 98 
4.3   Manufacturing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  100 
4.3.1    Features and policy objectives  ................................ ................................ .................  100 
4.3.2    Policy instruments  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 101 
4.4   Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  104 
4.4.1    Financial services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 104 WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
 
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  4.4.1.1    Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  104 
4.4.1.2    Banks and other financial intermediation institutions  ................................ ...............  104 
4.4.1.2.1    General features  ................................ ................................ ..............................  104 
4.4.1.2.2    Regulatory framework  ................................ ................................ ......................  106 
4.4.1.3    Insurance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  108 
4.4.1.3.1    General features  ................................ ................................ ..............................  108 
4.4.1.3.2    Regulatory framework  ................................ ................................ ......................  108 
4.4.1.4    Securities market  ................................ ................................ ................................  109 
4.4.1.5    Social security system  ................................ ................................ .........................  111 
4.4.2    Telecommunications  ................................ ................................ ...............................  111 
4.4.3    Transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  114 
4.4.3.1    Air transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 114 
4.4.3.2    Maritime transport  ................................ ................................ ..............................  115 
4.4.4    Tourism  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  117 
5   APPENDIX TABLES  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 119  
 
CHARTS  
 
Chart 1.1 Merchandise trade by main products, 2011 and 2017  ................................ ............... 26 
Chart 1.2 Merchandise trade by trading partner, 2011 and 2017  ................................ .............. 27 
Chart 3.1 Import procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ .44 
Chart 3.2 Frequency distribution of tariff rates, 2018  ................................ .............................. 49 
Chart 3.3 Prohibition of imports, by HS Section, 2012 and 2017  ................................ .............. 58 
Chart 3.4 Port dues, by HS Chapter  ................................ ................................ ...................... 63 
Chart 3.5 Standardization  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...71 
 
TABLES  
 
Table 1.1 Structure of GDP and employment, 2011 -2017  ................................ ................................ .... 13 
Table 1.2 Main macroeconomic indicators, 2011 -2017  ................................ ................................ .......  18 
Table 1.3 Financial accounts of the consolidated public sector (CPS), 2001 -2017  ...............................  19 
Table 1.4 Main monetary indicators, 2011 -2017 Q3  ................................ ................................ ............  22 
Table 1.5 Balance of payments, 2012 -2017  ................................ ................................ ..........................  23 
Table 1.6 Exports and imports of services by sector, 2011 -2017  ................................ .........................  28 
Table 1.7 Inflows of foreign direct investment to Uruguay by economic activity, 2012 -2016 .............  29 
Table 1.8 Inflows of foreign direct investment to Uruguay by source country, 2012 -2016  .................  29 
Table 2.1 Institutions involved in trade policy  ................................ ................................ ......................  33 
Table 2.2 Overview of Uruguay's regional trade agreements that entered into force between  
2012 and 2017  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 36 
Table 3.1 Customs legislation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  41 WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
 
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  Table 3.2 Import procedures  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  42 
Table 3.3 Preferential origin criteria  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 47 
Table 3.4 MFN tariff structure, 2011 and 2018  ................................ ................................ ....................  48 
Table 3.5 Exceptions to the CET applied by Uruguay  ................................ ................................ ...........  50 
Table 3.6 Analysis of the tariffs applied with countries with which trade agreements have been 
negotiated, 2018  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 51 
Table 3.7 Fees of Uruguayan customs clearing agents (imports), 2017  ................................ ...............  53 
Table 3.8 Charges affecting imports, 2012 and 2018  ................................ ................................ ...........  54 
Table 3.9 Goods and services exempt from VAT (2012 -2017)  ................................ .............................  55 
Table 3.10 Products subject to the IMESI, 2012 and  2018  ................................ ................................ ... 56 
Table 3.11 IMESI applied to motorized vehicles, 2018  ................................ ................................ .........  57 
Table 3.12 Import licences, 2017  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  58 
Table 3.13 Anti -dumping measures, 2012 –2017  ................................ ................................ ..................  60 
Table 3.14 Export procedures  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  62 
Table 3.15 Fees charged by Uruguayan customs clearing agents (exports), 2017  ...............................  64 
Table 3.16 Prohibited exports, 2018  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 64 
Table 3.17  Indirect tax refund procedure, 2012, 2014 and 2017  ................................ .........................  67 
Table 3.18 Incentives, 2018  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  69 
Table 3.19 Some products requiring a mandatory certificate for marketing or importation, 2018  .... 73 
Table 3.20 Responsibilities of the MGAP's directorates, 2017  ................................ .............................  74 
Table 3.21 Cases relating to competition brought before the various regulatory bodies,  
2012–2017  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  77 
Table 3.22 Government procurement, 2012 -2017  ................................ ................................ ...............  83 
Table 3.23 Industrial property indicators, 2012 -2017 ................................ ................................ ..........  86 
Table 3.24 Compulsory licences  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  87 
Table 4.1 Main agricultural sector indicators, 2011 -2017  ................................ ................................ .... 91 
Table 4.2 Institutions responsible for formulating and implementing agricultural policy  ...................  92 
Table 4.3 Financial products for the agricultural sector  ................................ ................................ .......  96 
Table 4.4 Main mining and energy sector indicators, 2011 -2017  ................................ ........................  97 
Table 4.5 Main manufacturing sector indicators, 2011 -2017  ................................ .............................  100 
Table 4.6 BROU credits for industry ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 103 
Table 4.7 Assets, liabilities and net worth of financial intermediation institutions,  
30 September  2017  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  104 
Table 4.8 Telecommunication services indicators, 2012 -2017  ................................ ...........................  112 
Table 4.9 Benefits granted to the hotel sector  ................................ ................................ ...................  118 
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  BOXES  
 
Box 2.1 Procedure for drawing up legislation  ................................ ................................ ......... 31 
Box 3.1 Functions of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Competition  ............... 77 
Box 3.2 Expressly prohibited anti -competitive practices  ................................ .......................... 78 
 
APPENDIX TABLES  
 
Table A1. 1 Total merchandise exports by HS Section, 2011 -2017 ................................ .........  119 
Table A1. 2 Total merchandise imports by HS Section, 2011 -2017 ................................ .........  121 
Table A1. 3 Total merchandise exports by trading partner, 2011 -2017 ................................ ... 123 
Table A1. 4 Total merchandise imports by trading partner, 2011 -2017 ................................ ... 124 
 
 
Table A2. 1 Notifications submitted to the WTO, 1 January 2012 to March 2018  ......................  125 
 
 
Table A3. 1 Special registration requirements for importing specified products, 2018  ...............  127 
Table A3. 2 Special requirements for importing specified products  ................................ .........  129 
Table A3. 3 Summary of the MFN tariff, 2018  ................................ ................................ ...... 130 
Table A3. 4 Plant and animal health legislation, 2018  ................................ ...........................  131 
Table A3. 5 Investigations of anti -compe titive practices by the Commission for the Promotion  
 and Prot ection of Competition, 2012 -2018 (March  2018)  ................................ .....................  134 
Table A3. 6 State enterprises, 2018  ................................ ................................ ...................  136 
Table A3. 7 Public limited companies wholly or partially owned by the State, 2016  ...................  139 
Table A3. 8 Overview of intellectual  property rights in Uruguay,  2018 ................................ .... 142 
 
 
Table A4. 1 Air transport agreements, 2018  ................................ ................................ ........  144 
 
 
 
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  SUMMARY  
1. During the period under review, Uruguay implemented policies geared towards ensuring 
macroeconomic stability. Between 2011 and 2017, the countr y experienced economic growth in 
keeping with its potential growth, with an average annual increase in real GDP of about 3%. 
From 2011 to 2014, GDP growth was backed by strong domestic demand as well as a benign external 
environment, characterized by high international prices for agricultural raw materials. I n 2015 
and 2016 GDP growth was weak owing to the fall in domestic demand which, in its turn, was partly 
due to  the erosion of the population's purchasing power as a result of the  depreciation of the 
Uruguayan peso. Net exports compensated only partly for the decline in domestic demand. I n 2017, 
GDP growth began to recover, largely thanks to the increase in exports of both goods (soya, meat, 
rice) and services (tourism).  
2. Uruguay's per capita GDP is one of  the highest in Latin America: in 2017 it had reached close 
to US$17,000, with a relatively equitable distribution of income. The poverty rate has fallen  in recent 
years, from 18.5 % in 2010 to 9.4 % in 2016. However, though the economy grew during the review 
period, the unemployment rate increased, from 6.3 % in 2011 to 8.1 % during the third  quarter of 
2017. This was partly due to an increase in the activity rate, as well as to the fact that the most 
dynamic sectors of the economy over the past few y ears have been the least labour -intensive 
sectors.  
3. During most of the review period, Uruguay's fiscal policy has been expansive. While current 
expenditure in low priority areas was kept under control, it in creased in key areas such as education, 
health and social security. Although fiscal targets were set with a view to gradually reducing the 
fiscal deficit, those targets have been breached . In 2016, the consolidated public sector deficit stood 
at 3.9 % of GD P, falling to 3.5 % in 2017 with the increase in revenue. The authorities are confident 
that the further revenue increases resulting from the higher business and personal income taxes 
introduced in 2016 will help to reduce the fiscal deficit to 2.5 % of GDP in 2019. At 
31 December  2017, the gross debt of the consolidated public sector stood at 65 % of GDP, while the 
net debt totalled only 28 % of GDP owing to the high level of assets held by the public sector.  
4. The main objective of Uruguay's monetary policy is to maintain price stability. To that end, 
Uruguay  has adopted an inflation -targeting regime with a range for the consumer price index (CPI) 
currently set at 3 % to 7%. Although inflation spent most of the period slightly above the upper band 
of the target r ange, in 2017 it remained within the range at 6.6 %. Uruguay operates a floating 
exchange rate policy, with interventions in the market to moderate volatility. During the period 
under review, the Uruguayan peso depreciated in both nominal and real effective  terms – in the 
latter case by about 27 % from the start of 2011 until end -2016. Nonetheless, in 2017, the domestic 
currency appreciated by 1.5 % relative to its year -earlier level.  
5. Uruguay's balance of payments ran a current account deficit until 2015. Surpluses of 0.8 % 
and 1.6 % of GDP respectively  were recorded in  2016 and 2017 thanks to a greater surplus in the 
balance of trade in goods. The balance of trade in goods and services was positive throughout the 
review period.  
6. International trade is extremely i mportant for Uruguay, although its overall volume declined 
relative to GDP during the period under review. The sum of merchandise exports and imports was 
equivalent to 30.8 % of GDP in 2017, compared to 38.9 % in 2011. Uruguay's exports continue to 
consist m ainly of commodities, chiefly food, wood and agricultural raw materials. B ovine meat and 
oilseeds remain the leading export products, accounting for 21.4 % and 15.6 % of the 2017 total, 
respectively. Manufacturing saw its share of total exports decline from 31% in 2011 to 27 % in 2017. 
On the import side, the share of manufactures increased over the review period, while imports of 
mineral products declined. The main import items in 2017 were machinery and electrical appliances 
(18.9 % of the total), chemical pr oducts  (14.3 %), mineral products (13.0 %) and transport 
equipment (10.8 %). 
7. Uruguay's exports to its partners in the Southern Common Market (MERCUSOR) declined 
during the review period, although they still account ed for 23.7 % of the total in 2017 compared 
to 30% in 2011. China overtook Brazil to become Uruguay's leading export destination in 2017, 
absorbing 18.8 % of the total compared to Brazil's 16.5 %. The E uropean Union's share fell from  15% 
in 2011 to 11 % in 2017, while exports to the United States increas ed from 3.3 % of the total in 2011 WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
 
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  to 5.7 % in 2017. On the import side, Brazil and Argentina lost market share, accounting for 19.5 % 
and 12.6 % of Uruguay's imports  in 2017, respectively, compared to 19.4 % and 18.7 % recorded in 
2011. The United States' share of total imports grew slightly, while there was an increase in 
shipments from Europe and China, which supplied 17.2 % and 20.0 % of the total in 2017, 
respectively.  
8. Uruguay's trade policy is closely linked to its p articipation in MERCOSUR. One of the main 
objectives of its trade policy is to ensure stable and predictable market access. The authorities 
consider that Uruguay's integration in international markets should be addressed simultaneously 
through bilateral, r egional and multilateral trade negotiations. Uruguay believes that achieving 
successful integration in international markets calls for increased competitiveness of its economy, 
which is why it has sought to transform its production system, promoting innova tive activities with 
higher levels of value added and greater domestic technological content.  
9. Uruguay is a founding M ember of the WTO, and during the period under review it continued 
to participate actively in the Organization. In July  2014, Uruguay notifi ed the WTO of its acceptance 
of the Protocol Amending the A greement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights 
(TRIPS). Likewise, in January  2016, Uruguay not ified the WTO Council for Trade  in Services that it 
was granting preferential treatm ent to services and service suppliers of least developed countries. 
Uruguay deposited the instrument of ratification of the Trade  Facilitation  Agreement in August  2016. 
It is neither a party nor observer to the plurilateral Agreements on Government Procure ment and 
on Trade in Civil Aircraft, nor is it party to the Information Technology Agreement (ITA). During the 
review period Uruguay was not involved in any dispute as a complainant or as a respondent; it 
participated as a third party in six disputes.  
10. Uruguay, together with other MERCOSUR members, signed several trade agreements which 
entered into force during the review period: with Chile, with the Arab  Republic  of Egypt and with the 
Southern African Customs Union. These agreements were notified to the WTO . In addition, Uruguay 
signed two other agreements during the review period as a member of M ERCOSUR , with Palestine 
(2011) and with Colombia (2017). These agreements have not entered into force.  
11. Uruguay has an open investment regime and provides for national treatment of foreign 
investment with a few exceptions, such as the provision of radio and broadcasting services, air and 
maritime cabotage , and fishing within its territorial waters. No prior authorization or registration is 
required in order to m ake an investment in Uruguay. Foreign companies  may operate in the country, 
either through a branch, or through  incorporation in any form of corporate structure provided for in 
domestic law. T he State guarantees legal stability of exemptions, benefits and rights accorded to 
the investor and the free transfer of capital, profits and other gains associated with investment. In 
2012, the tax concessions granted under the Investment Law (Law No.  16.906 of 1998) were 
extended to new activities such as constructio n, renewable energy production, biotechnology and 
tourism.  
12. During the period under review, Uruguay introduced a series of measures to facilitate trade. 
These include: electronic payment of duties and taxes; use of the digital Single Customs Document 
(DUA);  introduction of the Foreign Trade Single Window (VUCE); automated control of port access 
to the Port of Montevideo; the sea and air electronic manifest; and the Authorized Economic Operator 
(AEO) programme.  
13. Uruguay's tariff is based on the MERCOSUR common  external tariff (CET), with some 
exceptions. Uruguay only applies ad valorem  tariffs. Its applied tariffs range from 0% to 30%, while 
its bound tariffs fluctuate between 6% and 55%. Some 14% of its tariff lines are zero -rated. The 
simple average of applie d MFN duties was 9.4% in 2017, the same as in 2011. Agricultural products 
(WTO definition) were subject to an average tariff of 9.6% in 2017, only slightly higher than the 
average tariff for non -agricultural products (9.4%). The products with the highest t ariff average are 
clothing, with a 20% tariff, followed by dairy produce (17.9%), sugars and sugar confectionery 
(17.2%), textiles (16.1%) and leather, rubber and footwear (15.3%). Uruguay does not use tariff 
quotas within the WTO framework, but maintains  a number of quotas under its preferential trade 
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  14. Uruguay applies certain duties and charges exclusively to imports: the consular fee, the fees 
of the customs clearing agents and the port authorities, and the single tax on imports of newsprint. 
In 2018, Uruguay increased the consular fee from 2% to 5%. Imports, together with goods produced 
in Uruguay , are also subject to Value Added Tax ( VAT), the Specific Internal T ax (IMESI), and the 
Tax on the Sale of Agricultural G oods (IME BA). 
15. Uruguay imposes  import restrictions and prohibitions to protect national security, public 
health, plant and animal health, and the environment. The number of products subject to prohibition 
decreased during the review period from 652 in 2012 to 323 in 2017. Uruguay uses both automatic 
and non -automatic import licences. The automatic licences are used for statistical purposes (textiles, 
footwear and oils), for granting tariff preferences to third parties (paper for publishing, vehicles) or 
for monitoring the price of impor ts. Non -automatic licences are used for granting tariff exemptions 
to domestic producers (sugar and diesel engines and kits) and for human healthcare (acetic acid). 
In 2017, 378 ten -digit tariff lines of the HS2017 required import licences, 371 of them aut omatic 
licences.  
16. Uruguay seldom uses trade defence measures. During the revie w period, it initiated only 
two anti-dumping investigations, one of which lead to the imposition measures and the other to the 
imposition of an ad valorem  duty. It did not initiat e any countervailing or safeguard investigations 
during the period, nor did it adopt any measures.  
17. As in the case of imports, the free export of goods is guaranteed, with the exception of those 
that might affect public health, national security, preservati on of the environment, sanitary 
conditions or consumer protection. Measures can also be taken to ensure that dome stic demand for 
basic necessities is  satisfied and to comply with Uruguay's commitments within the context of the 
various international agreeme nts to which it is a signatory.  
18. Uruguay continues to implement special export promotion procedures. The main procedures 
operating in Uruguay include temporary admission, stock replacement, drawback and the indirect 
tax refund procedure that enable s the exp orter to recover  a per centage of customs export 
value  (VAE) established by government decree. This percentage varies according to the difficulties 
faced by different sectors and the non -tariff restrictions in the export markets. During the review 
period, t he percentage increased from 2% in 2012 to a maximum of 6% in 2017. In 2013, Uruguay 
notified the WTO of two programmes related with subsidies granted to the automotive and clothing 
industries. Uruguay also grants other tax concessions for investments in g eneral or to certain specific 
secto rs, such as the forestry sector;  parts and components for capital goods; the ship -building 
industry; the electronics industry; biotechnology; tourism; construction; and renewable energy.  
19. Each of the agencies that issue technical regulations in Uruguay follows its own procedures 
for preparing them. The drawing up of technical regulations may be initiated ex officio  or at the 
request of a third party. There is no mandatory procedure for revi sing technical regulations: they 
are revised to the extent that there are changes in the circumstances that led to their being issued. 
Revision may be ex officio  or at the request of an interested party. A proportion of the technical 
regulations adopted by  Uruguay involve the adoption of regulations issued at the regional level by 
MERCOSUR. During the period from January  2012 to December  2017, Uruguay submitted  15 
technical regulation notifications to the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade. Most o f the 
notified regulations relate to food, marking and labelling, and to household cleaning products. No 
questions relating to the measures imposed by Uruguay were raised in the Committee during this 
period.  
20. During the period 2012 -2017, Uruguay submitted 1 3 notifications to the Committee on 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. Most of the measures are based on international standards; 
in two cases only, Uruguay indicates that there is no relevant international standard or that they 
deviate from internationa l regulations. The measures apply to all of Uruguay's trading partners. 
Some of the measures notified to the Committee were adopted for the sole purpose of protecting 
animal health, but most of them have multiple purposes, aiming both to preserve food safe ty and 
to protect animal health and Uruguayan territory from harmful pests. No questions relating to the 
measures imposed by Uruguay were raised in the Committee during the period under review.  
21. Under the Law on the Promotion and Protection of Competition, all Uruguayan or foreign public 
or private natural or legal persons engaged in economic activities on Uruguayan territory must follow WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
 
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  the principles of free competition. The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Competition 
applies the Law in all sectors of the economy, except those which have dedicated regulatory bodies 
that discharge this responsibility, such as the financial sector, communications, and energy and 
water. In the period 2012 -2017, a total of 46 complaints of anti -competitive practi ces were lodged 
with the Commission. The complaints related to practices such as collusion, tied sales, predatory 
pricing and restricting the provision of services. The practices investigated concerned both goods 
markets (livestock, meat, milk, beer and co nstruction materials) and services markets (financial, 
port, and distribution services). Of the 40 investigations concluded by  March 2018, in 28 cases the 
alleged anti -competitive conduct was not confirmed; in six cases the Commission issued a 
recommendati on; in five cases it ordered cessation of the practice and sanctioned the offender; and 
in one case it did not proceed with the investigation.  
22. Prices in Uruguay are generally set by the market. However, certain goods and services, for 
example fuel and spec ified port services, are subject to ceiling prices. Tariffs are also set for the 
supply of electricity, water, pipe gas and fixed telephony. Likewise, the Ministry of Economy and 
Finance has the administrative authority under the law to regulate prices of goods and services 
produced by private entities, except in the case of prices of agricultural and fishery products 
marketed in their natural state. During the period under review, administered prices were applied 
to pasteurized liquid milk packaged for sal e to the public without additives. Basic contribution for 
medical services, public transport and taxi fares, as well as toll fees and airport usage fees were also 
subject to price control under a price ceiling adjustment policy.  
23. Public enterprises continue  to play an important role in Uruguay's economy, operating in the 
financial services, transport, telecommunications and posts, electricity, and water and sanitation 
subsectors. The number of public enterprises has not changed significantly since 2012, inso far as 
no new state -owned enterprises have been created and only one, the airline company PLUNA E.A., 
was liquidated. In 2013, Uruguay notified the WTO that the only state -owned enterprise covered by 
the provisions of Article XVII of the GATT 1994 was the National Fuel, Alcohol and Portland Cement 
Authority (ANCAP), which has the exclusive right to import and refine crude petroleum and its by -
products and to import and export liquid, semi -liquid and gaseous fuels when state refineries produce 
at least 50% o f the country's gasoline consumption.  
24. Uruguay has not signed the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement and does not 
participate as an observer in the Committee on Government Procurement. Apart from the occasional 
exception, the government  procurement reg ime is essentially decentralized, although there are 
some common guidelines set forth in the Harmonized Text of the Law on Accounting and Financial 
Administration of the State (TOCAF). Foreigners are free to take part in government procurement 
procedures w ithout any specific requirements. The law grants preference margins of between 4% 
and 16% to the domestic industry. A minimum of 35% local content is required for goods, services 
or works to be considered Uruguayan. In the case of goods, it is also require d that the end product 
be classified under a different tariff heading from that assigned to the inputs used to produce them 
or, if that is not the case, that the local content of the goods be at least 50%. During the review 
period, Uruguay continued with t he reform of the government procurement regime undertaken in 
2011, with a view to streamlining procurement procedures and enhancing the transparency of the 
system in general. While open tendering is the method generally used, the TOCAF provides the 
adminis trator with a wide range of exceptions, in terms of both the quantity and the object of the 
procedure.  
25. Uruguay is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and is party to 
a number of international agreements administered by that orga nization. In 2014, Uruguay ratified 
the Marrakesh Treaty. The patent and trademark legislation stipulates application of the principle of 
international exhaustion of rights. Although there has been some improvement in recent years, the 
average time taken t o grant a patent continues to be long (ten years). Uruguay protects geographical 
indications, indications of source and appellations of origin under various articles of its Trademark 
Law. In order to enjoy protection for an indefinite term, appellations of  origin must be registered, 
while indications of source are protected indefinitely without having to be registered. In order to 
secure protection for a period of 20 to 25 years, a plant variety has to be listed in the National 
Register of Cultivars. Urugua yan law provides for civil and criminal sanctions for infringement of 
intellectual property rights. Monitoring enforcement of intellectual property law is the responsibility 
of the National Customs Directorate, which has implemented a new procedure that en ables a 
trademark holder to lodge a preventive complaint with the customs authorities concerning the WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
 
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  potential entry of fraudulent goods into the country and to request suspension of their clearance. 
The National Customs Directorate keeps a register of sei zures of goods.  
26. The agricultural sector is of primary importance to Uruguay. Agricultural products (WTO 
definition) accounted for some two thirds of total exports in 2017, with meat and soya as the main 
export products, followed by diary produce and cereal s. Uruguay's agricultural policy is seeking to 
foster competitiveness in order to achieve sustainable development, taking into account social 
integration and environmental conservation. The idea is to create high -value niche markets, distinct 
from the trad itional commodity markets, and to improve export products through the use of new 
technology in primary activities. The average tariff applied to agricultural products (WTO definition) 
was 9.6% in 2017, the same as in 2012. Agricultural products in their na tural state are subject to a 
suspended VAT regime (zero rated). Uruguay notified the WTO that domestic support provided to 
agriculture during 2012 -2015 included: research, extension and advisory services; pest and disease 
control programmes; marketing and promotion services; and environmental programmes.  
27. Uruguay does not currently have any crude petroleum or natural gas reserves, but exploration 
is under way. Although ANCAP has a monopoly on hydrocarbon exploration and on the importation 
and refining of cru de oil and its products, the private sector may participate in the distribution of 
fuels. Contracts are awarded to third parties through a tendering process. In 2012 an international 
tender was held, as a result of which hydrocarbon exploration and exploit ation contracts were 
granted. Another international tender was being held in early 2018. The state continues to play a 
predominant role in the electricity market. The National Electricity Plants and Transmission Authority 
(UTE) continues to have a monopoly  on the transmission and distribution of electricity in the country. 
However, private participation in the generation of electricity has increased considerably, particularly 
when it comes to generation of electricity from renewable sources. Sustained inves tment in 
windfarms has contributed towards achieving energy independence, and the generation of surpluses 
for export could enable Uruguay to establish itself as a net electricity exporter in the medium term.  
28. Uruguay has an open financial system: there are no restrictions on capital movements, and 
banking secrecy is observed, although in a flexible manner. Companies wishing to provide financial 
intermediation services in Uruguay must obtain prior authorization from the Government as well as 
the authorization  of the Central Bank. No distinction is made between national and foreign banks in 
terms of treatment with respect to operations or establishment requirements. Banks wishing to 
become established in Uruguay must be organized as Uruguayan public limited com panies with 
registered shares or as branches of foreign banks. The Uruguayan banking system is made up of  11 
banks (nine private and two public), and continues to be well capitalized, with high liquidity and low 
non-performing loan levels. The solvency of financial institutions based in Uruguay remains at high 
levels, and the overall level of non -performing loans has remained low. The share of the two public 
banks in the Uruguayan banking system is substantial, their assets accounting for close to half of 
the total bank assets. The private banks are wholly or majority owned by foreign  banks.  
29. Insurance companies must be established in Uruguay as public limited companies with 
registered shares and an exclusive purpose. They may operate simultaneously in all br anches of 
insurance, life or general, provided they comply with the minimum capital requirements for each 
branch. There are no restrictions on foreign participation in new or existing companies set up as 
public limited countries  in Uruguay . Once establishe d in Uruguay, foreign -owned companies receive 
national treatment. They may not establish branches or representative offices for the purpose of 
carrying out insurance activities in Uruguay. Risks in Uruguayan territory may not be covered with 
premiums writt en abroad.  
30. Telecommunication services are generally open to private participation, with the exception of 
the fixed telephony and fixed data (including fibre optic) transmission segments, which continue to 
be operated  by the state -owned company ANTEL in mon opoly conditions. Private companies may fix 
their rates for services offered in markets where there is competition. In the case of transport 
services, foreign companies may offer domestic air services by obtaining a concession based on 
reciprocity. For all  other air services, operators must apply for authorization. Sixteen airlines are 
currently operating international services from and to Uruguay. Participation in the maritime 
transport market from and to Uruguay is generally open. Passenger and cargo cabo tage is reserved 
for Uruguayan -flagged vessels, although  the authorities may authorize foreign participation when 
no Uruguayan vessels are available.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
 
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  31. Tourism accounted for an annual average of approximately 7 % of GDP during the review 
period, and was dynam ic both in generating foreign exchange and in attracting investment. A new 
legal framework for the sector was introduced in 2014. Tourism services are supplied b y the private 
sector, with the S tate stepping in only where necessary. In order to provide tour ism services, foreign 
companies must be domiciled in the country and enrolled in the register of the corresponding 
ministry. The sector has its specific system of tax incentives for both domestic and foreign investors.  
 WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
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  1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
1.1  Main features of the economy  
1.1.  The sectoral structure of the Uruguayan economy underwent minor changes during the period 
under review (Table 1.1), including an increase in the share of services in GDP. In 2017, the services 
sector, as a whole, accounted for 61.3% of GDP (at current prices), compared to 58.3% in 2011. 
The manufacturing share fluctuated during the period, declining between 2011 and 2013, before 
rebounding in 2014 and 2015, when it represented 13.2% of GDP, and then shrinkin g once more in 
2016 and 2017. The share of agriculture, livestock, hunting and forestry decreased during the period, 
from 8.7% of GDP in 2011 to 5.9% in 2016 and 5.1% in 2017. Within the services sector, the largest 
contributors to GDP were real -estate and  business activities (16.8% in 2017), and commerce, 
repairs, restaurants and hotels (14.1%).  
1.2.  The fastest growing subsector between 2011 and 2017 was that of communications, mainly 
owing to the vigorous expansion of telecommunication services. Financial int ermediation and 
commerce, restaurants and hotels also grew strongly. The agricultural sector was less buoyant 
during the review period; and manufacturing industries performed unevenly: some, such as cellulose 
and wood products, expanded, while the textile and clothing industry contracted. Air transport was 
seriously affected by the cessation of operations of the national carrier, PLUNA.  
1.3.  The services sector maintained its trend as a key employer, providing 72% of all jobs in 2017, 
compared to 69.3% in 2011 ( Table 1.1). Within the services sector, commerce, restaurants and 
hotels contributed 21.8% of overall employment in 2017, followed by financial intermediation, 
real-estate and business activities with 10.5%, and social and health -care services, which accou nted 
for 8.3%. Manufacturing industries generated 10.8% of total jobs in 2017, down from 13.3% in 
2011. The share of employment in agricultural activities, together with fishing and mining and 
quarrying, declined during the period under review, representin g 8.3% of all jobs in 2017, compared 
to 10% in 2011.  
Table 1.1 Structure of GDP and employment, 2011 -2017  
 2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  
Current GDP 
(Ur$ million)  926,356  1,041,211  1,178,332  1,330,508  1,455,848  1,589,195  1,697,075  
Current GDP 
(US$ million)  47,989  51,238  57,482  57,277  53,273  52,825  59,237  
Real GDP (US$  million 
at 2005 prices)  30,929  30,420  31,555  28,748  24,527  22,656  24,423  
Real GDP growth rate 
(%, at 2005 prices)  5.2 3.5 4.6 3.2 0.4 1.7 2.7 
Per capita GDP (US$ at 
current prices)  14,062  14,954  16,709  16,584  15,365  15,179  16,958  
Structure of GDP by economic sector (percentage of GDP at current prices ) 
Primary activities  9.3 8.6 8.1 7.2 6.6 6.3 5.6 
Agriculture, livestock, 
hunting and  forestry  8.7 8.0 7.5 6.7 6.1 5.9 5.1 
Fishing  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 
Mining  0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 
Manufacturing  12.7 12.2 11.3 12.1 13.2 12.8 11.7 
Food, beverages and 
tobacco  5.9 5.7 5.3 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 
Textiles and clothing, 
leather products and 
footwear  0.6 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 
Wood and wood 
products, paper and 
paper products and 
printing  1.9 1.6 1.6 1.7 2.0 1.7 1.6 
Coke, refined 
petroleum products  0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 1.2 1.4 0.7 
Chemicals and 
chemical products, 
rubber and plastic 
products  1.6 1.6 1.3 1.4 1.6 1.6 1.6 
Other non -metallic 
mineral products  0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
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   2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  
Basic metal 
industries, 
machinery and 
equipment  1.3 1.3 1.1 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.9 
Transport equipment  0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.0 
Other manufacturing  0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 
Electricity, gas and 
water  1.9 1.0 2.2 2.3 2.2 2.7 2.7 
Construction  7.6 9.2 9.7 9.8 9.6 9.6 9.4 
Services  58.3 59.3 59.1 59.1 59.3 59.7 61.2 
Commerce, 
repairs, 
restaurants and 
hotels  13.8 13.9 13.7 13.4 13.0 13.0 14.1 
Commerce and 
repairs  10.3 10.4 10.2 9.9 9.4 9.3 10.0 
Restaurants and 
hotels  3.4 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.6 3.7 4.1 
Transport, storage 
and communications  6.7 6.5 6.0 5.7 5.6 5.4 5.4 
Other services  37.8 38.9 39.4 40.0 40.7 41.3 41.8 
Financial 
intermediation  4.3 4.4 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.8 4.7 
Real-estate, business 
and rental activities  15.1 15.8 16.1 16.3 16.8 16.7 16.8 
Public administration 
and defence, social 
security  5.1 5.0 5.0 5.1 5.0 5.1 5.1 
Education  4.1 4.2 4.3 4.5 4.5 4.7 4.7 
Health  5.5 5.7 5.8 5.9 6.1 6.3 6.5 
Personal services 
and private 
households with 
domestic service  3.8 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.9 
Financial 
intermediation services 
indirectly measured, 
not distributed  -2.6 -2.7 -2.7 -2.7 -2.8 -2.9 -2.8 
Taxes net of product 
subsidies  12.7 12.4 12.3 12.2 11.9 11.8 12.1 
Percentage variation in GDP (at constant 2005 prices)  
Primary activities  11.1 -0.9 2.0 -0.2 -1.8 3.1 -1.5 
Agriculture, 
livestock, hunting 
and forestry  13.5 -0.5 2.5 0.4 -0.9 2.7 -0.8 
General crops and 
related services  34.3 -8.4 8.3 -11.6 -14.9 6.3 -8.2 
Animal husbandry; 
livestock services  5.7 5.3 -1.9 1.8 2.7 1.4 2.6 
Forestry, logging 
and related 
activities  -6.6 -6.6 12.8 48.1 20.1 1.7 -0.4 
Fishing  -1.5 -14.2 -33.5 -13.2 -36.9 -34.0 22.3 
Mining  -21.1 -2.3 2.5 -10.8 -15.5 18.2 -21.0 
Manufacturing  2.0 -3.9 1.2 4.2 4.9 0.7 -3.5 
Food, beverages and 
tobacco  4.3 1.3 0.9 0.8 1.6 1.9 0.1 
Textiles and clothing, 
leather products and 
footwear  -8.8 -6.6 -6.3 -9.2 -8.9 -7.8 -8.9 
Wood and wood 
products, paper and 
paper products and 
printing  -1.3 -4.2 4.5 23.1 23.6 3.7 0.4 
Coke, refined 
petroleum products  -2.0 -11.8 4.8 -4.6 5.3 6.9 -39.6 
Chemicals and 
chemical products, 
rubber and plastic 
products  17.6 -7.2 -6.8 0.3 2.4 -0.7 2.6 
Other non -metallic 
mineral products  5.2 0.0 -0.3 -5.1 -8.8 -8.0 -2.1 WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
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   2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  
Basic metal 
industries, 
machinery and 
equipment  -7.7 -4.0 -2.7 1.5 -7.1 1.0 -3.0 
Transport equipment  22.6 -39.7 51.6 3.0 -22.7 -40.5 -42.7 
Other manufacturing  -1.0 8.8 3.6 5.3 -7.8 -18.7 0.0 
Electricity, gas and 
water  -24.2 -21.9 54.7 15.7 -6.7 9.6 1.2 
Construction  2.4 16.3 0.9 0.7 -6.1 -2.6 -6.0 
Services         
Commerce, repairs, 
restaurants and 
hotels  7.0 5.6 8.0 -0.6 -4.0 -2.8 7.5 
Commerce and 
repairs  6.7 6.7 9.6 -0.8 -5.1 -3.4 7.8 
Restaurants and 
hotels  8.9 0.2 -0.4 0.9 2.6 0.5 6.0 
Transport, storage 
and communications  10.7 10.0 6.9 7.4 4.8 8.1 8.5 
Other services  4.6 3.5 3.4 3.3 1.5 0.3 -0.8 
Financial 
intermediation  15.1 11.0 8.4 8.3 5.7 1.9 -5.1 
Real-estate, business 
and rental  activities  2.7 2.5 1.7 1.1 0.8 0.0 1.4 
Public administration 
and defence, social 
security  0.6 -0.5 2.8 1.5 -0.7 -0.8 -1.7 
Education  5.0 2.6 3.4 3.3 0.1 1.0 -2.0 
Health  2.1 4.2 2.5 4.0 1.5 0.6 0.9 
Personal services 
and private 
households with 
domestic service  2.7 -0.6 2.2 2.7 -0.7 -2.1 1.1 
Structure of employment by economic activity  
Agriculture, livestock, 
hunting, forestry, 
fishing and mining and 
quarrying  10.0 8.8 9.6 9.4 9.0 8.4 8.3 
Manufacturing  12.2 11.9 11.9 11.5 11.1 11.3 10.8 
Electricity, gas and 
water supply  1.1 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.2 1.2 
Construction  7.3 7.8 8.1 8.1 8.1 7.5 7.7 
Services  69.3 70.3 69.1 69.8 70.7 71.7 72.0 
Commerce, 
restaurants and 
hotels  21.1 21.8 21.2 21.4 21.8 21.7 21.8 
Transport, storage 
and communications  6.8 6.8 6.8 7.1 7.3 7.2 7.0 
Financial 
intermediation, 
real-estate, 
business and rental 
activities  8.6 8.7 9.1 9.5 9.8 10.0 10.5 
Public administration 
and defence, 
compulsory social 
security  6.4 6.6 6.4 6.2 6.2 6.5 6.5 
Education  6.0 6.1 6.0 6.3 6.3 6.2 6.4 
Social and health -
care services  7.1 7.6 7.6 7.7 7.8 8.3 8.3 
Other service 
activities  5.8 4.8 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.9 4.5 
Domestic services  7.5 7.9 7.3 7.1 6.8 6.9 7.0 
Source:  Central Bank of Uruguay  (BCU) for GDP and National Institute of Statistics (INE) for  employment.  
1.4.  Uruguay's per capita GDP (US$16,958 in 2017) is one of the highest in Latin America; and its 
poverty rate continued to fall during the review period, from 18.5% in 2010 to 9.4% in 2016.1 The 
                                                
1 Online information from the World Bank, Countries and economies: Uruguay, viewed at: 
http://datos.bancomundial.org/pais/uruguay . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
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  Gini index of income inequality is one of Latin Amer ica's lowest (0.417 in 2015), which indicates a 
relatively equitable distribution of income by the standards of the region.2 
1.5.  Uruguay's macroeconomic policy is geared towards maintaining the macroeconomic equilibria, 
for which the authorities have been impl ementing a coordinated policy on three fronts: monetary, 
fiscal and income. The current monetary policy can be characterized as an inflation -targeting scheme 
based on monetary aggregates — the main policy variable being the means of payment, defined as 
the broad M1 aggregate (coins and banknotes held by the public + demand deposits +  savings 
accounts). The country's foreign exchange regime is based on a flexible exchange rate, with the 
monetary authority making targeted interventions to smooth volatility. F iscal policy pursues the 
priority goals set by the Government within a framework of medium and long -term sustainability, 
while seeking to contribute to economic growth that is sustained over time. In recent years, the 
Government has focused on controlling non-priority expenditures, coordinating investments and 
reducing the expenses of state-owned enterprises to underpin the sustainability of the 
aforementioned policies. The incomes policy seeks to promote employment and consolidate wage 
increases that refle ct the specific situation of the sector in question.3 
1.6.  The Government has been implementing a Financial Inclusion Programme for low -income 
households and micro and small enterprises, with a view to universalizing access to the financial 
system. The programm e is based on Law No.  19.210 (the Financial Inclusion Law),  of 29 April 2014, 
which was enacted on 9 May of that year.4 Its fundamental pillars are access to and use of electronic 
payment media, incentives for saving, and access to credit under more favour able conditions.5 To 
implement the programme, measures have been implemented to facilitate and improve 
small -business access to the financial system, including the following: reduction of the maximum 
commissions on debit and credit cards; reduction of with holding for some taxpayers and its 
elimination for others; and subsidies to facilitate the incorporation of billing systems using electronic 
invoices and point of sale (POS) terminals. The authorities consider that the combination of 
incentives, promotion of competition and regulation made it possible to consolidate major changes 
in a short time, which have resulted in greater financial inclusion. Specifically, there was significant 
growth in the use of debit cards (a fourteen -fold increase in just three ye ars), while over 800,000 
e-money accounts and instruments were opened for workers, pensioners and social beneficiaries, at 
zero user -cost.6 
1.2  Recent economic developments  
1.2.1   Production and employment  
1.7.  The Uruguayan economy grew by an average of 3% per year over the 2011 -2017 period, 
exactly in line with its long -term trend. Three GDP growth sub -stages can be identified. The 
first spans 2011 to 2014 and is characterized by a faster output expansion, driven by burgeoning 
domestic demand (except in 2014) in both con sumption and gross capital formation, which more 
than offset the negative contribution of net exports of goods and s ervices (Table 1.2). The 
second  sub-stage was 2015 -2016, in which growth was sharply reduced and barely positive in 2015. 
That year saw an a brupt fall in domestic demand owing mainly to a substantial reduction in 
investment, compounded by weaker consumption — partly reflecting the erosion of the population's 
purchasing power caused by the depreciation of the Uruguayan peso. Net exports could n ot fully 
                                                
2 Online information from the World Bank, viewed at: 
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI . 
3 Ministry of the Economy and Finance (MEF) (2017), Rumbo y agenda de la política económica: 
inclusión, diferenciación y calidad. Presentation by Danilo As tori, Minister of the Economy and Finance, at 
SOMOS URUGUAY on 7  September  2017. Viewed at: 
https://www.mef.gub.uy/innovaportal/file/22563/3/presentacion_astori_1.pd f. 
4 The text of the Financial Inclusion Law may be viewed at: 
https://www.impo.com.uy/bases/leyes/19210 -2014. 
5 MEF (2017), Rumbo y agenda de la política económica: inclusión, diferenciación y  calidad . Presentation 
by Danilo Astori, Minister of the Economy and Finance, at SOMOS URUGUAY on 7  September  2017. Viewed at: 
https://www.mef.gub.uy/innovaportal/fi le/22563/3/presentacion_astori_1.pdf . 
6 MEF and House of Representatives Finance Commission (2017), Programa de Inclusión Financiera: 
principales resultados, 31 de mayo de 2017. Viewed at: 
https://www.mef.gub.uy/innovaportal/file/21925/1/comision -de-hacienda -31052017.pdf . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 17 - 
  make up for the slump in domestic demand. In 2016 however, both components of domestic demand 
staged a tentative recovery.  
1.8.  In the following year, a third and more expansionary sub -stage began, with GDP growth 
accelerating to 2.7%, fuelled by a sli ght pick -up in domestic demand and stronger net external 
demand than in 2016. According to the Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU), gross  capital formation 
slackened in 2017, following completion of the installation of wind farms, which had generated 
additional investment in the year -earlier period. The positive effect of external demand reflected the 
conjunction of reduced imports and increased exports, of both goods (soya, meat, rice) and services 
(tourism).7 
1.9.  During the first few years of the period under revie w (up to 2014), Uruguay benefited from a 
benign external environment, characterized by high international prices for agricultural raw 
materials, although this was partially offset by the negative impact for Uruguay of high fuel prices. 
As from 2015, the re cession in Argentina and Brazil, compounded by low prices for meat and wheat, 
undermined merchandise exports; but weak domestic consumption and investment caused an even 
larger reduction in goods and services imports. On the whole, and although the regiona l market 
remains depressed, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) considers that the general conditions of 
trade performance have been positive, largely due to the fall in oil prices.8 
1.10.   In 2018, the Uruguayan economy is expected to benefit from a more posit ive external 
environment, supported by stronger domestic demand. Indicators such as the increase in household 
purchasing power in 2017 would seem to point in this direction.9 The IMF forecasts GDP growth of 
3.1% in 201810; and it sees the potential GDP grow th settling around 3% in the coming years as 
domestic demand gains strength.11 
1.11.   After falling to 6.3% in 2011 and then remaining broadly stable until 2014, the unemployment 
rate rose as from 2015, in tandem with the slowdown in economic growth (Table  1.2). T he 
employment rate has been descending from its 60.7% peak in 2011, and in the third quarter of 
2017 it stood at 57.8% (compared to 58.2% a year earlier). Despite a degree of recovery in the 
economy, unemployment has continued to grow: in the third quarter  of 2017 it reached a level of 
8.1%, three tenths of a percentage point above the previous year's average. The authorities explain 
this as a softening of labour demand that was not matched on the supply side. In the same period, 
the activity rate slipped f rom 63.2% to 63.0%. In fact, the most dynamic sectors of the economy in 
the last two years have been those that generate relatively little employment.12 Despite the 
deterioration of the employment situation, the authorities are confident that, in the medium  term, 
the economy will continue to maintain low levels of unemployment, high employment rates and a 
rising trend in real household income.13 
                                                
7 BCU (2017), Informe de Política Monetaria,  Tercer Trimestre de 2017 . Viewed at: 
http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Politica -Economica -y-
Mercados/Reportes%20de%20Poltica%20Monetaria/pepmam04i0917.pdf . 
8 International Monetary Fund (IMF) (2017), Uruguay 2016 Article IV Consultation —Press Release and 
Staff Report, IMF Country Report No.  17/28 , February  2017. Viewed at: 
https://www.imf.org/~/media/Files/Publications/CR/2017/cr1728.ashx . 
9 BCU (2017), Informe  de Política Monetaria, Tercer Trimestre de 2017 . Viewed at: 
http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Politica -Economica -y-
Mercados/Reportes%20de%20Polti ca%20Monetaria/pepmam04i0917.pdf . 
10 Online information from the IMF, viewed at: http://www.imf.org/en/Countries/URY . 
11 IMF (2017), Uruguay 2016 Article IV Consultation —Press Release and Staff Report, IMF Country 
Report No.  17/28 , February  2017. Viewed at: 
https://www.imf.org/~/media/Files/Publications/CR/2017/cr1728.ashx . 
12 MEF (2017), La economía uruguaya: recuperación de crecimiento y perspectivas de futuro. 
Presentation by Danilo Astori, Minister of the Economy and Finance, to the Official Spanish Chamber of 
Commerce, Industry and Navigation of Uruguay, 23  August  2017. Viewed at: 
https://www.mef.gub.uy/innovaportal/file/22391/4/camara -espanola ---23-agosto -2017.pdf . 
13 BCU (2017), Informe de Política Monetaria, Tercer Trimestre de 2017 . Viewed at: 
http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Politica -Economica -y-
Mercados/Reportes%20de%20Poltica%20Monetaria/pepmam04i0917.pdf . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
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  Table 1.2 Main macroeconomic indicators, 2011 -2017  
 
2011  2012  2013  2014 2015  2016  2017  
National accounts   
Real GDP (Ur$  million at 2005 
prices)a 597,050  618,174  646,842  667,792  670,268  681,594  699,702  
GDP (growth rate %)  5.2 3.5 4.6 3.2 0.4 1.7 2.7 
Domestic demand  7.3 7.0 5.3 2.3 -2.0 -0.4 0.3 
Final consumption expenditure  6.7 5.1 5.5 2.9 -0.2 0.4 3.6 
 Final consumption expenditure of 
 households and private non -profit 
 institutions (NPIs)  7.2 4.9 5.5 3.0 -0.5 0.1 4.4 
 Government final consumption 
expenditure  3.7 6.0 4.9 2.5 2.2 2.9 -1.3 
Gross capital formation  9.9 14.5 4.8 0.0 -9.0 -3.9 -13.8 
 Gross fixed capital formation  7.0 18.2 3.8 2.4 -9.2 -1.6 -15.5 
 Public sector  -9.9 0.5 13.6 28.7 -12.2 10.9 -29.6 
 Private sector  11.5 21.9 2.1 -2.8 -8.5 -4.8 -11.3 
Exports of goods and services  5.8 3.6 -0.1 3.5 -0.6 -0.2 7.6 
Imports of goods and services  12.4 13.6 2.8 0.8 -7.3 -6.2 -0.4 
GDP (Ur$  million)a 926,356  1,041,211  1,178,332  1,330,508  1,455,848  1,589,195  1,697,075  
 Domestic demand  930,087  1,074,757  1,213,818  1,357,149  1,461,272  1,564,644  1,643,978  
 Final consumption expenditure  736,642  836,160  948,877  1,075,044  1,174,391  1,281,794  1,377,267  
 Final consumption expenditure 
 (private)  618,435  697,951  789,538  892,812  972,963  1,051,066  1,133,799  
 Final consumption expenditure 
 (government)  118,207  138,209  159,339  182,232  201,428  230,728  243,468  
 Gross capital formation  193,445  238,597  264,941  282,105  286,881  282,851  266,712  
 Gross fixed capital formation  177,106  230,663  257,377  285,236  288,058  301,796  282,850  
 Public sector  33,544  39,990  49,634  64,821  66,426  75,720  65,594  
   Private sector  143,562  190,673  207,743  220,415  221,631  226,076  217,256  
 Variation in inventories  16,339  7,934  7,564  -3,131  -1,177  -18,945  -16,138  
Exports of goods and services  244,763  269,878  275,177  313,237  327,243  340,526  365,860  
Imports of goods and services  -248,494  -303,425  -310,664  -339,878  -332,667  -315,975  -312,763  
Net exports of goods and services  -3.731  -33.547  -35.486  -26.641  -5.424  24.551  53.097  
Employment         
Unemployment rate (%)b 6.3 6.5 6.5 6.6 7.5 7.8 8.1 
Employment rate (%)b 60.7 59.9 59.5 60.4 59.0 58.4 57.8 
Inflation   
Consumer price index (CPI)  105.2  113.7  123.5  134.4  146.1  160.1  169.1  
External sector (US$ million)   
Terms of trade (% variation, annual 
average)  0.2  -0.8  2.8  1.1  -0.3  5.5    
BCU gross international reserves 
(US$ million)  10.302  13.605  16.290  17.555  15.634  13.472  12.689  
Gross external debt (US$  million)c 18.345  36.131  37.717  40.807  43.311  40.049  39.112  
Gross external debt/GDP (%)  38.2 70.5 65.6 71.3 81.3 76.4 68.0 
External debt service/exports of 
goods and services (%)d 20.0 18.3 28.4 29.5 30.9 13.3   
Current account as a percentage of 
GDP -2.7 -4.1 -3.4 -3.1 -0.8 0.8 1.6 
a Ratio of employed population to the population of 14 years or older (%).  
b Ratio of unemployed population to active population (%).  
c Excludes deposits by non -residents.  
d External debt service includes amortizations and interest.  
Source:  BCU; INE; IMF, International Financial Statistics (IFS) database.  
1.2.2   Fiscal policy  
1.12.   The Ministry of the E conomy and Finance (MEF) is responsible for defining and implementing 
fiscal policy in Uruguay. This involves the administration of public funds from all sources and the 
top-level management of the nation's economic, financial and trade policies.14 The 
Directorate -General of Taxation, which is part of the ministerial structure and was reorganized by 
Decree No.  265/016 of 1  October  2016, is in charge of internal tax collection, while the National 
Customs Directorate collects customs duties and VAT on imports.  
1.13.   Until 2011, the Uruguayan Government focused on further consolidating the public -sector 
fiscal balance, with the aim of bringing its debt down to economically healthier levels. Starting in 
                                                
14 Online informa tion from the MEF, viewed at: https://www.mef.gub.uy/10556/1/mef/mision -y-
vision.html . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 19 - 
  2011, and having attained the debt reduction target, it then imple mented a set of public policies 
that eroded the fiscal balance. Total public expenditure increased during the period under review, 
from 26.4% of GDP in 2011 to 30% in 2016 and 2017. This was mainly driven by an increase in 
current primary expenditure (Cent ral Government and the Social Security Bank (BPS)) of nearly four 
percentage points of GDP between 2011 and 2016, to represent 27.6% of GDP in the latter year, 
while investment slipped from 2.7% of GDP in 2011 to 2.1% in 2017. Expenditure policy has focuse d 
on controlling current expenses in low -priority areas, while increasing spending in key sectors such 
as education, health and social security. In addition, following the procedure adopted with the reform 
of the tax system and promulgation of the Tax Refo rm Law, the 2010 -2014 National Budget, 
approved by Law No.  18.719 of 2010, set fiscal targets aimed at gradually reducing the consolidated 
public -sector deficit to below 1% of GDP and bringing the public  debt down to the equivalent of 40% 
of GDP by 2014.15 Although these targets were met in 2010 and 2011, the deficit target has been 
breached since 2012, and a shortfall of 3.5% of GDP was recorded in 2014 (Table 1.3). Nonetheless, 
the authorities note that despite this slippage, the targets for net public bor rowing were actually 
overachieved, since the net debt stood at 33% of GDP, compared to the 40% target set in the 
National Budget for 2014.  
1.14.   The 2015 -2019 National Budget, approved by Law No.  19.355, published on 
30 December  2015, maintained the fiscal responsibility approach defined by the Government and 
allocated additional resources to areas seen as priorities for attaining the objectives of the 
government programme, such as education, social security, health, infrastructure and 
e-government.16 Fiscal targets for 2015 -2019 were defined in the light of these considerations, and 
a downward course was specified for the fiscal deficit of the consolidated public sector (CPS), from 
3.5% of GDP in 2014 to 2.5% in 2019.17 A path was also defined for the primary balance, seeking 
to attain a surplus of 1% of GDP by the end of the period (compared to a deficit of 0.5% of GDP in 
2014), and thus offset the expected increase in debt service. Moreover, the statement accompanying 
Law No.  19.355 explained that the project ed global funding for education in 2016 -2017 represented 
a budget increase in line with the growth of public spending relative to GDP, as it moves towards 
the target of 6% of GDP.  
Table 1.3 Financial accounts of the consol idated public sector (CPS), 2001 -2017  
(% of GDP and US$  million)  
 2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  
CPS income  28.1  27.7  29.5  29.1  29.0  29.4  29.9 
 Central Government  20.6  19.9  20.7  20.0  19.7  20.4  21.2  
 Directorate -General of Taxation (DGI)  17.1  16.8  17.1  16.6  16.6  17.1  17.8  
 Foreign trade  1.1  1.1  1.1  1.1  1.1  1.0  1.0  
 Other  2.3  2.0  2.5  2.3  2.0  2.4  2.4  
 Social Security Bank (BPS)  6.5  7.0  7.3  7.6  7.5  7.5  7.7  
 Current primary balance, state-owned 
 enterprises  1.1  0.8  1.5  1.5  1.8  1.5  0.7 
CPS expenditure  26.4  28.0  29.1  29.5  28.8  30.0  30.0  
 Current primary expenditures (Central 
 Government and BPS)  23.7  25.2  25.7  26.2  26.5  27.6  27.9 
 Investmenta 2.7  2.8  3.4  3.2  2.3  2.4  2.1 
 Primary balance, administrative 
 entities  0.1  -0.1  -0.1  -0.2  0.1  0.1  0.1  
 Primary balance, State Insurance 
 Bank (BSE)  0.2  0.2  0.2  -0.0  -0.3  0.0  -0.1  
Primary balance of the 
non-financial public sector (NFPS)  2.0  -0.1  0.5  -0.5  0.1  -0.5  -0.2  
Primary balance of the CPS  1.9  -0.2  0.4  -0.6  -0.0  -0.5  -0.2  
Interest  2.8  2.5  2.7  2.8  3.6  3.3  3.3 
                                                
15 Law No.  18.083 (Tax Reform Law) of 18  January  2007 aimed to simplify, rationalize and modernize  
the tax system and make revenue collection more efficient. To that end, 14 taxes were eliminated; personal 
income tax (IRPF) and non -resident income tax (IRNR) were introduced; and the rates of the tax on income 
from economic activities (IRAE) and value a dded tax (VAT) were reduced.  
16 Eastern Republic of Uruguay, Senate, Secretariat, Presupuesto Nacional Periodo 2015 -2019: 
Aprobación - Mensaje del Poder Ejecutivo , Dossier No.  400 of 2015, November  2015. Viewed at: 
https://legislativo.parlamento.gub.uy/temporales/S2015110173 -061669051.pdf . 
17 The CPS encompasses the Central Government, the BPS, state-owned enterprises, the BCU, the 
departmental governments, and the Stat e Insurance Bank (BSE).  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 20 - 
   2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  
Overall balance  -0.9  -2.7  -2.3  -3.5  -3.6  -3.9  -3.5  
(US$ million, unless otherwise indicated)  
Total public gross debt  27,040  31,133  33,102  33,525  31,396  33,345  38,721  
 Central Government  18,584  20,800  21,424  21,682  23,261  25,585  28,182  
 State -owned enterprises  2,152  2,549  2,276  2,588  2,140  1,927  2,031  
 Local governments  62 73 76 121 108 126 135 
 Rest of NFPS  27 42 54 61 65 84 106 
 Central Bank of Uruguay  6,214  7,669  9,273  9,073  5,822  5,622  8,270  
Total gross public debt (% of GDP)  56.3 60.8 57.6 58.5 58.9 63.4 65.0 
Total gross external debt (US$ million)b 18,345  36,131  37,717  40,807  43,311  40,049  38,699  
 General Government  11,454  13,054  14,425  15,074  15,641  15,229  15,799  
 Other  6,891  23,077  23,292  25,773  27,669  24,820  22,900  
Total gross external debt (% of GDP)  38.2  70.5  65.6  71.3  81.3  76.4  65.0 
a Includes investments by state-owned  enterprises.  
b From 2012 onwards, the total external debt figures include the non -bank private sector.  
Source:  Online information from the MEF, viewed at: http://www.mef.gub.uy/indicadores.php ; and online 
information from the BCU, viewed at: http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Estadisticas -e-
Indicadores/Paginas/Default.aspx . 
1.15.   Despite the provisions of the 2015 -2019 National Budget, the public accounts deteriorated in 
2015 and 2016; and in the latter year the CPS primary deficit widened to 0.5% of GDP and the 
global public -sector balance posted a deficit of 3.9% (Table 1.3). In the same year, the income of 
the non -financial pu blic sector (NFPS) amounted to 29.4% of GDP, while Central Government 
revenues totalled 20.4%, of which foreign trade accounted for just 1%. Tax revenue collected by 
the Directorate -General of Taxation (DGI) was equivalen t to 17.1% of GDP. Revenue 
from consumption taxes levied on the private sector has fallen in the l ast two years as a share of 
GDP — VAT represented 8.3% in 2016, while revenue from the specific internal tax (IMESI) was 
equivalent to 1.0%.18 
1.16.   In 2017, the CPS recorded a deficit of 3.5% of GDP,  which represented a 0.4  percentage -point 
improvement on the year -earlier result.19 This was largely explained by an increase in income 
received by Central Government and the BPS, which more than offset the growth of current 
spending, particularly in respec t of pensioners and transfers. The revenue measures approved under 
the budget and accounting mechanism for 2016 took effect in 2017, with the aim of moving towards 
the target of a fiscal deficit of 2.5% of GDP in 2019, as noted  above. The  measures in quest ion 
consisted of a rise in business and personal income taxes, together with a 4 percentage -point cut in 
the VAT rate for online purchases.  
1.17.   With regard to borrowing, there was a slight increase in the public debt/GDP ratio during the 
period under review, a lthough the net debt stock remained at moderate levels, owing to the relatively 
high level of assets. At 31  December  2017, the gross debt of the CPS, which includes the BCU, stood 
at US$38,721  million, equivalent to 65% of GDP. The gross debt of the NFPS, which excludes the 
Central Bank, accounted for 72.8% of the total debt, while NFPS assets totalled US$20,033  million 
(33.6% of GDP) on the same date, bringing the CPS net debt to US$16,688  million or 28% of GDP. 
The BCU considers the debt/GDP ratio to be r elatively low in historical terms, and at a manageable 
level that is still far from the solvency thresholds.20 In terms of the composition of the public debt, 
the foreign -currency share dropped from 54% of the total in September  2016 to 42% at 
31 December  2017.21 In general, the public sector's financing requirements have been kept at 
                                                
18 Directorate -General of Taxation (2017), 2016 statistical bulletin. Viewed at: 
http://www.dgi.gub.uy/wdgi/afiledownload?2,4,864,O,S,0,33429% 3BS%3B5%3B108 . 
19 Online information from the MEF, viewed at: 
https://www.mef.gub.uy/innovaportal/file/23710/1/comunicado ---diciembre -2017.pdf . 
20 BCU (2017), Informe de Política Monetaria, Cuarto Trimestre de 2017 . Viewed at: 
http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Politica -Economica -y-
Mercados/Reportes%20de%20 Poltica%20Monetaria/pepmam04i1217.pdf . 
21 Online information from the BCU, viewed at: http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Estadisticas -e-
Indicadores/Endeudamiento %20Externo%20Pblico/resdep.pdf ; and BCU (2017), Informe de Política Monetaria, 
Cuarto Trimestre de 2017 . Viewed at: http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Politica -Economica -y-
Mercados/Reportes%20de%20Poltica%20Monetaria/pepmam04i1217.pdf . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 21 - 
  manageable levels in the period under review, and have been funded by loans from multilateral 
organizations and by debt issues.  
1.2.3   Monetary and exchange -rate policy  
1.18.   The monetary an d foreign -exchange regime in Uruguay is the responsibility of the 
Macroeconomic Coordination Committee. The BCU, which has technical, administrative and  financial 
autonomy under the Constitution of the Republic and its own Charter, is responsible for manag ing 
monetary instruments to keep inflation rates as close as possible to the targets set by the 
Committee. The Central Bank also regulates the functioning and supervision of the country's 
payment and financial systems.  
1.19.   The BCU's key objective is to maintai n price stability, for which it has adopted an 
inflation -targeting regime. The target is defined as a range for the consumer price index (CPI) over 
an 18 -month horizon and is currently set at 3 -7%. Uruguay's current monetary policy can thus be 
described as  an inflation -targeting scheme based on monetary aggregates. Since 2013, the main 
policy variable has been the means of payment, defined as the broad M1 aggregate (banknotes and 
coins held by the public + demand deposits + savings accounts). Monetary polic y aims to keep the 
growth of this aggregate in line with the inflation target and the demand for money, for which targets 
are also set.22 
1.20.   Prior to June  2013, the Central Bank implemented its monetary policy through the monetary 
policy rate ( tasa de política  monetaria (TPM)) set by its Monetary Policy Committee (COPOM) on a  
quarterly basis. The BCU would intervene in the overnight money market to keep the average market 
rate ( tasa media de mercado  (TMM)) as close as possible to the TPM. In June  2013, in respo nse to 
a sharp appreciation of the peso fuelled by substantial short -term capital inflows, the BCU announced 
that it would no longer use the TPM as its monetary policy instrument after 1  July 2013, but would 
replace it with a monetary aggregate target. It also imposed a 50% reserve requirement on 
non-resident capital used to purchase government securities, and announced a widening of the 
target range for inflation from 4 -6% to 3 -7% as from 1  July 2014.  
1.21.   In October  2017, the BCU's Board of Directors used the COPOM to announce an indicative 
year-on-year benchmark growth range for the broad M1 aggregate (M1') of 13% to 15% for the 
fourth quarter of 2017. Nonetheless, the final results breached the target with year -on-year growth 
of 18.7%.23 The BCU has tried to c hannel this surplus liquidity into domestic -currency savings 
instruments by buying back peso -denominated government bonds and making direct 
foreign -currency purchases, to prevent the domestic currency from appreciating. It is estimated that 
the Central Ban k purchased around US$3.5  billion in 2017 (equivalent to over 6% of GDP), to 
prevent the portfolio adjustment from exerting undue pressure on the exchange rate, which would 
pass through to activity levels and employment.24 In view of the ongoing remonetizat ion of the 
economy and the greater demand for money, the BCU set a range of 14 -16% as the indicative target 
for the year -on-year growth of broad M1 in the first quarter of 2018.25 In December  2017 the 3% -7% 
target range for inflation over the next 24 months  was ratified.  
1.22.   Although inflation spent most of the period slightly above the upper band of the target range, 
in 2017 it dropped to just within the band (Table 1.4). In the rolling 12 months ending 
December  2017, core inflation came in at 6.6%, up from 5.8 % in September although within the 
target range for the tenth consecutive month. The authorities see this process as largely the result 
of declining inflation expectations.26 They also stated that the BCU would use all available 
                                                
22 Online information from the BCU, viewed at: http://www.bcu.gub.uy . 
23 Online information from the BCU, viewed  at: http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Estadisticas -e-
Indicadores/Principales -Agregados -Monetarios/pmam03d.pdf . 
24 BCU (2017), Informe de Política Monetaria, C uarto Trimestre de 2017 . Viewed at: 
http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Politica -Economica -y-
Mercados/Reportes%20de%20Poltica%20Monetaria/pepmam04i1 217.pdf . 
25 BCU (2017), Briefing from the Monetary Policy Committee, 29  December  2017. Viewed at: 
http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Politic a-Economica -y-Mercados/Comunicados%20del%20Copom/Comunicado -Copom -
Diciembre -2017.pdf . 
26 BCU (2017), Informe de Política Monetaria, Cuarto Trimestre de 2017 . Viewed at: 
http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Politica -Economica -y-
Mercados/Reportes%20de%20Poltica%20Monetaria/pepmam04i1217.pdf . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 22 - 
  instruments to keep both inf lation itself and inflation expectations as close as possible to the centre 
of the band in the first few months of 2018.  
Table 1.4 Main monetary indicators, 2011 -2017 Q3  
(%)  
2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  
Money supply (12 -month variation)  
M1 19.2 9.2 13.1 1.0 5.2 6.6 9.2a 
Broad M1  20.8 11.2 15.0 3.7 5.6 14.8 11.8a 
M2 22.1 10.3 13.7 6.4 9.0 14.4 12.2a 
M1/GDP (% of GDP)  10.2 9.9 9.9 8.9 8.5 8.4 8.9 
Interest ratesb        
Average lending interest rate,  Ur$ (end of period)  21.9 20.7 22.0 21.5 23.2 24.7 24.6 
Average borrowing interest rate, Ur$ (end of period)  5.5 5.2 5.1 8.5 7.9 6.0 5.3 
Interest rate spread, Ur$ (end of period)  16.4 15.5 16.9 13.1 15.4 18.6 19.3 
Average lending interest rate, US$ (end  of period)  5.0 4.9 4.3 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.3 
Average borrowing interest rate, US$ (end of period)  0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 
Margin of interest, US$ (end of period)  4.7 4.6 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.0 
Inflation (annual percentage variation)         
Consumer price index (CPI), end of period  8.6 7.5 8.5 8.3 9.4 8.1 6.6 
Consumer price index (CPI), annual average  8.1 8.1 8.6 8.9 8.7 9.6 6.2 
Producer price index, domestic products (IPPN), end of 
period  11.1 5.9 6.3 8.1 9.4 8.1 5.4 
Exchange rate         
Exchange rate (period average: Ur$/US$)  19.3 20.3 20.5 23.2 27.3 30.2 28.7 
Exchange rate variation (December -December)  -1.0 -2.5 10.3 13.8 22.8 -2.1 2.0 
Variation in the real effective rate (December -December)  -6.8 -11.3 -3.1 -1.3 -0.6 -7.2 1.5 
Variation of the real effective rate with respect to the Arg$ 
(December -December)  -6.5 -12.4 -12.9 -4.4 2.5 -12.2 5.4 
Variation of the real effective rate with respect to the R$ 
(December -December)  -9.8 -15.7 -4.5 -1.4 -14.9 10.0 -1.6 
a Period February  2017-February  2018.  
b Annual effective interest rates, monthly weighted average of fixed -term deposit operations, 
excluding, in the cases of the Bank of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay (BROU) and the COFAC 
savings and loan cooperative, those related to deposits reprogrammed by Law No.  17.523 of 
4 August  2002. Average of the banking system . 
Source:  BCU. 
1.23.   The de -dollarization process in the Uruguayan economy continued during the period under 
review. Residents' foreign -currency deposits totalled US$18,469  million in December  2017 — down 
by 4% on the year -earlier figure, but still accounting for 69% of total deposits.27 
1.24.   Interest rates for both lending and borrowing remained relatively stable during the 2011 -2017 
period. The spread between the lending and deposit interest rates on domes tic-currency transactions 
remained large during the period under review, increasing from 16.4% in 2011 to 19.3% in 2017. 
The interest -rate spread in foreign currency narrowed slightly during the period, from 4.7% in 2011 
to 4% in 2017 (Table 1.4).  
1.25.   Uruguay has operated a floating exchange -rate policy since June  2002, with interventions in 
the foreign -exchange market to moderate volatility. During the period under review, the Uruguayan 
peso depreciated in both nominal and real effective terms — in the latter case by about 27% from 
the start of 2011 until end -2016. Nonetheless, in 2017, the domestic currency appreciated by 1.5% 
relative to its year -earlier level.  
1.2.4   Balance of payments  
1.26.   Uruguay's balance of payments ran a current account deficit until 2015, but the following 
two years saw surpluses of 0.8% and 1.6% of GDP, respectively, owing to a larger surplus on 
                                                
27 Online information from the BCU, viewed at: http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Estadisticas -e-
Indicadores/Principales -Agregados -Monetarios/pmam03d.pdf . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 23 - 
  merchandise trade.28 This in turn was essentially the result of merchandise  imports decreasing by 
more than exports: while exports in 2017 were down by 13% from their 2012 level (in US dollar 
terms), imports were nearly 33% lower. The steeper fall in imports partly reflects the depreciation 
of the peso. Exports and imports of ser vices also declined during the  period.  
1.27.   The balance of trade in goods and services was positive throughout the review period 
(Table  1.5). Merchandise trade was in surplus every year in 2012 -2017, growing significantly in 
2017 to represent 4.7% of GDP, while  services trade posted increasing surpluses in recent years, 
following deficits in 2013 and 2014.  
Table 1.5 Balance of payments, 2012 -2017  
(US$ million)   
2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  
1. Current account  -2,107  -1,976  -1,769  -446 417 926 
1.A. Goods and services  1,497  811 1,613  1,684  2,828  4,017  
1.A.a Goods  298 1,078  1,980  1,268  2,041  2,807  
Exports  13,078  13,277  13,763  11,106  10,504  11,414  
Imports  12,780  12,200  11,783  9,838  8,463  8,607  
1.A.b Services  1,199  -267 -367 416 787 1,210  
Credit  5,048  4,822  4,617  4,485  4,145  4,763  
Transport  777 738 754 578 444 484 
Travel  2,296  2,089  1,917  1,970  2,071  2,539  
Other services1 1,974  1,995  1,947  1,937  1,630  1,741  
Debit  3,848  5,090  4,984  4,069  3,358  3,553  
Transport  1,294  1,370  1,487  1,155  817 963 
Travel  878 1,312  1,356  1,162  915 1,066  
Other services1 1,677  2,408  2,140  1,752  1,626  1,524  
1.B Primary income  -3,730  -2,967  -3,563  -2,306  -2,594  -3,362  
Credit  1,283  1,376  793 715 829 841 
 By institutional sector        
Public sector  262 222 194 228 224 276 
Private sector  1,022  1,154  599 487 605 566 
 By functional category        
Direct investment  816 994 422 311 437 390 
Portfolio investment  116 82 67 73 94 116 
Other investment2 192 173 201 230 202 196 
Reserve assets  159 127 102 102 96 140 
Debit  5,013  4,343  4,356  3,021  3,424  4,203  
 By institutional sector        
Public sector  776 878 896 948 859 821 
Private sector  4,237  3,464  3,460  2,073  2,564  3,382  
 By functional category        
Direct investment  4,114  3,391  3,353  1,974  2,402  3,227  
Portfolio investment  693 737 751 748 700 688 
Other investment2 206 214 252 299 321 288 
1.C Secondary income  125 180 181 176 183 271 
Credit  213 251 255 248 250 349 
Debit  88 71 74 72 67 78 
2. Capital account  49 204 15 175 17 5 
Credit  49 204 15 175 17 5 
Debit  0 0 0 0 0 0 
1. + 2. Net lending (+)/net borrowing ( -) 
(balance of current and capital accounts)  -2,007  -1,727  -1,718  -203 434 931 
3. Financial account (net lending (+)/net 
borrowing ( -)) -1,492  -1,047  -1,555  -699 -276 644 
3.1 Direct investment  -2,175  -2,789  -2,512  -830 828 233 
 Net acquisition of financial assets  3,869  -2,034  1,319  1,605  449 259 
By institutional sector        
Public sector  -51 -9 8 -6 -17 18 
Private sector  3,920  -2,025  1,310  1,611  466 241 
By instrument        
Equity and investment fund shares  103 512 -291 398 -392 32 
Debt instruments  3,765  -2,546  1,609  1,207  840 227 
 Net acquisition of liabilities  6,044  755 3,831  2,435  -379 27 
By institutional sector        
                                                
28 BCU (2018), Informe de Balanza de Pagos y Posición de Inversión Internacional, año 2017 . Viewed 
at: http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Estadisticas -e-Indicadores/Balanza%20de%20Pagos/informe_m6.pdf . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 24 - 
   
2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  
Public sector  0 8 15 0 1 0 
Private sector  6,044  747 3,816  2,436  -380 26 
By instrument        
Equity and investment fund shares  3,570  2,258  2,250  6 543 857 
Debt instruments  2,473  -1,503  1,581  2,430  -922 -830 
3.2 Portfolio investment  -317 -1,663  -306 1,050  2,016  -2,089  
 Net acquisition of financial assets  1,340  696 855 1,786  639 -1,362  
By institutional sector        
Public sector  230 72 402 502 608 62 
Private sector  1,110  624 453 1,284  31 -1,424  
By instrument        
Equity and investment fund shares  965 -73 519 -220 -365 -47 
Debt securities  375 769 336 2,006  1,004  -1,315  
 Net acquisition of liabilities  1,657  2,359  1,161  736 -1,377  727 
By institutional sector        
Public sector  1,549  2,305  1,154  869 -1,350  705 
Private sector  108 53 7 -133 -27 23 
By instrument        
Equity and investment fund shares  40 -103 -42 -68 2 1 
Debt securities  1,617  2,462  1,203  804 -1,379  727 
3.3 Financial derivatives (other than 
reserves)  185 31 33 -304 44 -65 
Public sector (net)  2 2 3 2 26 -12 
Private sector (net)  183 29 30 -306 17 -53 
3.4 Other investment  -2,472  393 -141 1,061  -975 118 
 Net acquisition of financial assets  -421 1,265  762 1,200  -2,504  -1,109  
By institutional sector  
Public sector  -245 184 -167 583 -48 171 
Private sector  -176 1,081  929 617 -2,547  -1,280  
By instrument  
Currency and deposits  -761 161 570 1,580  -1,599  -187 
Loans  -24 -43 175 -84 -512 -22 
Trade credit and advances  382 694 -266 -173 -171 -595 
Other accounts receivable  -18 454 284 -123 -222 -304 
 Net acquisition of liabilities  2,052  873 903 139 -1,529  -1,227  
By institutional sector        
Public sector  220 -790 398 -31 86 -188 
Private sector  1,832  1,663  505 170 -1,615  -1,039  
By instrument  
Currency and deposits  580 415 187 339 -1,017  -811 
Loans  1,070  709 471 146 -137 106 
Trade credit and advances  392 -343 171 -396 -372 -522 
Other accounts payable  11 91 21 51 -3 -1 
3.5 BCU reserve assets  3,287  2,981  1,372  -1,677  -2,189  2,448  
4. Errors and omissions (4  = -(1 + 2 -3)) 566 726 198 -429 -1710  -286 
Note:  The items shown in this table correspond to the  standard components shown in Appendix 9 of the 
sixth edition of the IMF's Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6).  
1 Other services include maintenance and repairs, construction, insurance and pension services, 
financial se rvices, fees for the use of intellectual property, telecommunication services, information 
technology and information services, other business services, personal, cultural and recreational 
services, and government goods and services.  
2 Compensation of empl oyees and other primary income are included in the "Primary income - Other 
investment" item.  
Source:  BCU. 
1.28.   The income account was in deficit every year between 2011 and 2017, mainly owing to debits 
associated with foreign direct investment (FDI) and portfol io investment. The financial account was 
in deficit throughout 2011 -2016. While net indebtedness increased during this entire period, the 
financial -account deficit had been declining since 2014, and it turned into a surplus in 2017. This 
improvement reflec ts a change in the net balances of FDI and portfolio investment. The current 
account surpluses recorded in 2016 and 2017 gave rise to net loans on the financial account that 
mainly reflected the behaviour of the public sector. For example, in the first thr ee quarters of 2017, WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 25 - 
  there was a capital outflow from the public sector of about US$1.4  billion (2.4% of GDP).29 This 
trend reduced Uruguay's negative net international investment position from 30% of GDP in 
September  2016 to 29% in September  2017.  
1.29.   Uruguay' s gross external debt totalled US$38,721  million at end -2017; and the public -sector 
external debt then represented 65% of GDP. Of the total external debt, 44.2% pertained to the 
non-bank private sector, 40.8% to Central Government, 8% to the private bankin g sector, 3% to 
state-owned enterprises, and the rest to local governments, public banks and the BCU. In terms of 
instruments, 35% of the total external debt consists of commercial loans and 36% is held in the 
form of bonds, while 20% corresponds to intern ational loans, 9% to deposits and the rest to other 
instruments.30 Uruguay had US$50,973  million in external assets at 31  December  2017, making it 
a net international creditor in the amount of US$12,274  million. This is explained entirely by assets 
held by the private sector, since the public sector is a small net debtor ( -US$842  million at 
31 December  2017).31 
1.3  Trade and investment performance  
1.3.1   Trends and patterns in trade in goods and services  
1.3.1.1   Trade performance  
1.30.   International trade is extremely important for Uruguay, although its overall volume declined 
relative to GDP during the period under review. The sum of merchandise exports and imports was 
equivalent to 28.8% of GDP in 2016 and is estimated at 30.8% in 2017, compared to 38.9% in 
2011. Merchandise import s in 2017 totalled US$8,458  million, while exports amounted to 
US$7,885  million.  
1.3.1.2   Composition of merchandise trade  
1.31.   Uruguay's exports continue to consist mainly of commodities — chiefly animal and vegetable 
products, including food, wood and agricultural raw  materials — in which the country has 
comparative production advantages. The share of these goods in total merchandise exports grew 
from 64.3% in 2011 to 71.8% in 2017 (Chart 1.1 and Table A1.1). Bovine meat and oilseeds 
remained the leading export product s, accounting for 21.4% and 15.6% of the 2017 total, 
respectively. Both meat and oilseeds increased their shares of total exports during the period under 
review.  
1.32.   In contrast, manufacturing saw its share of total exports decline, from 31% in 2011 to 27% 
in 2017, although the various subsectors performed unevenly. For example, exports of transport 
equipment, textiles and plastics were relatively more affected than chemical products.  
1.33.   On the import side, the share of manufactures increased over the review perio d, while imports 
of mineral products declined, largely reflecting the lower prices of crude oil (Table A1.2). The main 
import items in 2017 were machinery and electrical appliances (18.9% of the total),  chemicals 
(14.3%), mineral products (13.0%) and trans port equipment (10.8%).  
                                                
29 BCU (2017), Informe de Política Monetaria, Cuarto Trimestre de 2017 . Viewed at: 
http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Politica -Economica -y-
Mercados/Reportes%20de%20Poltica%20Monetaria/pepmam04i1217.pdf . 
30 BCU (2018), Deuda Externa del Uruguay . Viewed at: http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Estadisticas -e-
Indicadores/Deuda%20Externa/resdeu.pdf . 
31 Idem.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 26 - 
  Chart 1.1 Merchandise trade by main products, 2011 and 2017  
 
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates based on the Comtrade database and information provided by the BCU.  
1.3.1.3   Direction of merchandise trade  
1.34.   Uruguay's exports to its partners in the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) declined 
relatively during the period under review, but MERCOSUR remained the top export destination, 
absorbing 23.7% of the total in 2017 compared to 30% in 2011 (Table A1.3 and Chart 1.2). China 
overtook Brazil to become Uruguay's leading export destination in 2017, absorbing 18.8% of the 
total, compared to Brazil's 16.5%. The percentage of total exports going to China tripled over the 
review period. Exports to th e United States also gained market share, increasing from 3.3% of the 
2011 2017
(a)    Exports
Total:  US$7,912  million
(b)    Imports
Total: US$10,726 million Total: US$8,458 millionTotal: US$7,885 millionHides, skins 
and furskins
3.5%Other
16.6%
Textiles
4.8%Other
13.7%
Mineral 
products
21.1%Hides, skins 
and furskins
3.2%
Plastics
3.6%
Food industry 
products
6.0%
Chemical 
products
13.0%
Plastics
7.2%Electrical 
machinery and 
apparatus
17.6%Other
11.7%
Mineral 
products
13.0%
Chemical 
products
14.3%
Plastics
6.6%
Base metals
5.0%Electrical machinery 
and apparatus
18.9%Other
15.8%
Base 
metals
4.6%Textiles
4.6%Food industry 
products
7.1%
Textiles
5.4%Vegetable 
products
24.2%Vegetable 
products
25.8%Wood
6.6%Animal products
34.2%
(meat: 21.4%)
Chemical 
products
4.6%Chemical 
products
5.2%Plastics
5.6%Wood
11.8%Animal products
33.5%
(meat: 18.2%)
Transport 
equipment
11.2%
Transport 
equipment
10.8%Textiles
3.1%
Vegetable 
products
3.1%Vegetable 
products
3.1%WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 27 - 
  total in 2011 to 5.7% in 2017. Argentina and Paraguay, on the other hand, both lost share. Within 
Latin America, Mexico and Peru both increased their market shares, while Chile's fell ba ck. Europe's 
share of Uruguay's total exports decreased, as the European Union absorbed 11% in 2017, compared 
to 15% in 2011.  
Chart 1.2 Merchandise trade by trading partner, 2011 and 201 7 
 
 
 
Source:  WTO Secre tariat estimates based on the Comtrade database and information provided by the BCU.  
1.35.   On the import side, the countries of the Americas saw their joint share drop sharply during 
the review period, from 58.4% of the total in 2011 to 50.7% in 2017 (Table A1.4 ). Brazil and 
Argentina continued to be important suppliers, although both lost market share, accounting for 
2011 2017
(a)    Exports
Total: US$7,912 million
(b)    Imports
Total: US$10,726 million Total: US$8,458 millionTotal: US$7,885 millionArgentina
7.4%Other
12.6%United 
States
3.3%
Other 
America
11.0%Brazil
20.5%
Mexico
2.3%America
38.2%United 
States
5.7%
Other 
America
7.9%Brazil
16.5%Other
8.5%
Asia
21.7%America
45.6%Asia
10.4%
United 
States
10.3%
Other 
America
7.7%Africa
2.9%
Argentina
18.7%China
13.4%Other 
Asia
7.2%Other
2.1%United 
States
10.9%
Mexico
2.6%Other 
America
5.1%Argentina
12.6%China
20.0%Other 
Asia
7.5%Other
1.7%
America
58.4%America
50.7%
Europe
13.7%
Europe
17.2%Asia
20.6%Asia
27.5%Europe
18.9%Europe
16.4%
Peru
1.3%Argentina
5.6%
Brazil
19.4%
Africa
5.2%Brazil
19.5%Mexico
2.1%Mexico
2.5%
EU(28)
15.0%Other Europe
3.9%China
6.7%Other Asia
3.7%
EU(28)
11.0%Other 
Europe
5.4%China
18.8%Other Asia
2.9%Free zones
15.2%
Free zones
12.5%WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 28 - 
  19.5% and 12.6% of Uruguay's imports in 2017, respectively, compared to the 19.4% and 18.7% 
recorded in 2011. The United States' share of total imp orts grew slightly, while there was a 
substantial increase in shipments from Europe and China, which supplied 17.2% and 20.0% of the 
total in  2017, respectively.  
1.3.1.4   Trade in services  
1.36.   The balance of Uruguay's services trade was generally positive throughout the 2011 -2017 
period, recording a surplus of US$1.21  billion in 2017 (Table 1.6). Nonetheless, service exports 
slackened between 2012 and 2016 and only picked up again in 2017, driven by the travel sector. 
Travel is Uruguay's main service export, accountin g for 53.3% of all service exports in 2017. Service 
imports grew until 2013, before entering a weaker phase, particularly in the case of transport and 
travel.  
Table 1.6 Exports and imports of services by secto r, 2011 -2017  
(US$ million)   
2011  2012  
(1) 2013  2014  2015  2016  2017 
Q3 
Balance  1,592  1,199  -267 -367 416 787 1,210  
Exports  3,642  5,048  4,822  4,617  4,485  4,145  4,763  
 Transport  651 777 738 754 578 444 484 
 Travel  2,203  2,296  2,089  1,917  1,970  2,071  2,539  
 Telecommunication services  36 140 125 142 138 189 201 
 Insurance and pension services  9 5 5 4 10 3 2 
 Financial services (except 
insurance)  138 159 206 194 131 132 130 
 Information technology and 
information services  179 101 134 163 171 165 177 
 Royalties and licence fees  0 48 41 57 38 33 35 
 Other business services  389 1,342  1,296  1,221  1,262  953 1,032  
 Personal, cultural and recreational 
services  2 99 99 95 82 59 53 
 Government services, n.i.e.  35 82 90 69 77 64 66 
Imports  -2,050  -3,848  -5,090  -4,984  -4,069  -3,354  -2,644  
 Transport  -810 -1,294  -1,370  -1,487  -1,155  -817 -963 
 Travel  -644 -878 -1,312  -1,356  -1,162  -915 -1,066  
 Telecommunication services  -42 -156 -159 -168 -168 -111 -111 
 Insurance and pension services  -61 -69 -44 -93 -57 -42 -54 
 Financial services (except 
insurance)  -23 -43 -141 -102 -75 -93 -98 
 Information technology and 
information services  -12 -30 -45 -95 -86 -51 -52 
 Royalties and licence fees  -34 -87 -113 -137 -101 -109 -113 
 Other business services  -347 -1,116  -1,730  -1,365  -1,074  -1,027  -923 
 Personal, cultural and recreational 
services  -18 -117 -113 -118 -107 -87 -89 
 Government services, n.i.e.  -61 -60 -63 -62 -57 -80 -58 
1  Since 2012, services have been compiled according to the BPM6 methodology, which may be viewed 
at: http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Estadisticas -e-Indicadores/Balanza%20de%20Pagos/metodolog%C3  per 
centADa_mbp6.pdf . 
Source:  BCU. 
1.3.2   Trends and patterns in foreign direct investment  
1.37.   Foreign direct investment flows fluctuated widely during the period under review, with 
significant inward investment between 2012 and 2014, but major capital outflows in 2015 and 2016, 
as noted above. In the latter  year the net FDI flow was also negative (Table 1.7). The sectors 
receiving the largest inflows between 2012 and 2016 were: manufacturing industries 
(US$1,118  million); real -estate activities (US$1,077  million); agriculture, livestock, forestry and 
fishing  (US$1,075  million) and the supply of electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning 
(US$1,075  million). FDI flows totalled US$8,159  million in 2012 -2016.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 29 - 
  Table 1.7 Inflows of foreign direct investment to Urugua y by economic activity, 
2012 -2016  
(US$ million)  
 2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2012 -2016  
Agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishing  435 358 53 52 177 1,075  
Afforestation and logging  221 5 14 13 216 469 
Agricultural production, hunting and related 
service activities  214 354 38 39 -39 606 
Manufacturing industries  566 501 669 159 -777 1,118  
 Beverages  98 157 83 -62 -479 -203 
 Food products  55 27 141 -27 -38 158 
 Leather and related products  -17 11 48 -13 -6 23 
 Rubber and plastic products  5 34 51 89 18 197 
 Pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemicals and 
 botanical products  16 19 30 5 9 79 
 Chemicals and chemical products  47 40 13 16 -16 100 
 Other manufacturing industries  362 214 303 151 -265 765 
Supply of electricity, gas, steam and air 
conditioning  48 139 537 236 70 1,030  
Construction  52 -70 -22 -77 24 -93 
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor 
vehicles and motorcycles  230 1,033  -318 -595 -484 -134 
 Wholesale trade  167 956 -330 -602 -578 -387 
 Retail trade  64 77 12 8 94 255 
Accommodation and food service activities  3 -30 -1 -19 2 -45 
Transport and storage  30 46 -3 32 1 106 
 Warehousing and supporting transport activities  38 50 0 41 0 129 
 Other transport and storage  -8 -4 -3 -10 1 -24 
Information and communications  -29 75 110 -13 133 276 
 Telecommunications  -51 75 61 10 117 212 
 Other information and communications  22 -1 49 -24 16 62 
Financial and insurance activities  460 1,262  1,090  1,089  -407 3,494  
Real-estate activities  248 123 154 34 518 1,077  
Administrative and support service activities  142 -3 43 -12 -75 95 
Professional, scientific and technical activities  28 4 10 28 10 80 
Unclassified  29 23 5 7 18 82 
TOTAL  2,242  3,460  2,328  920 -791 8,159  
Note:  The statistics shown in the table are based on the directional investment principle, which differs from 
the criteria used to compile the balance of payments according to BPM6.  
Source:  BCU. 
1.38.   The main source countries for inward FDI into Urugu ay in 2012 -2016 were the 
Cayman  Islands, Panama, Spain, Brazil, Switzerland, Chile and Arg entina. Net FDI flows were 
negative in the case of the United States, the Netherlands, Paraguay, Peru and Mexico, among others 
(Table  1.8). 
Table 1.8 Inflows of foreign direct investment to Uruguay by source c ountry, 2012 -2016  
(US$ million)   
2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2012 -2016  
South America  235 1,379  -297 735 856 2,908  
Argentina  243 293 -262 47 202 523 
Brazil  331 515 -249 541 788 1,926  
Chile 68 335 157 196 135 891 
Colombia  30 -153 93 -1 -29 -60 
Paraguay  -408 287 178 114 -513 -342 
Peru -13 -24 -119 -99 43 -212 
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)  -43 -51 -77 -41 27 -185 
Other South America  28 178 -18 -22 204 370 
North and Central America  -197 1,214  837 -234 -1,650  -30 
Canada  -125 110 149 203 -78 259 
Mexico  -219 392 -309 99 -72 -109 
Panama  496 397 1,124  1,937  -523 3,431  
United States  -363 341 -189 -2,467  -977 -3,655  
Other North and Central America  14 -26 63 -5 1 47 
North Atlantic and Caribbean  1,957  -777 363 -61 1,183  2,665  
Bahamas  67 -138 -25 -246 -23 -365 WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 30 - 
   
2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2012 -2016  
Bermuda  -55 -143 -331 -274 232 -571 
Cayman Islands  2,017  -685 115 2,139  979 4,565  
British Virgin Islands  -167 123 420 69 -13 432 
Other North Atlantic and Caribbean  94 66 184 -1,749  7 -1,398  
Europe  1,366  906 988 176 -42 3,394  
Germany  23 51 -71 169 -94 78 
Belgium  23 28 71 14 29 165 
Denmark  41 2 14 46 24 127 
Spain  204 429 1,042  -30 533 2,178  
France  -9 22 19 7 2 41 
Netherlands  -112 -156 -1,443  56 38 -1,617  
Italy 2 -19 5 232 -68 152 
Luxembourg  -752 32 -127 141 280 -426 
United Kingdom  63 -3 47 90 -37 160 
Switzerland  1,635  321 1,198  -719 -603 1,832  
Sweden  24 -22 -28 -24 -21 -71 
Other Europe  225 218 262 194 -126 773 
Oceania  -3 9 29 -38 -77 -80 
New Zealand  6 -13 3 -68 -70 -142 
Other  -9 22 26 31 -7 63 
Central and South Asia  76 140 -172 279 27 350 
Singapore  58 104 -79 240 104 427 
Other Central and South Asia  18 36 -93 39 -77 -77 
East Asia  80 61 166 74 -278 103 
China, People's Republic of  48 27 -36 -10 -116 -87 
Japan  15 -33 241 97 -24 296 
Other East Asia  18 66 -39 -13 -138 -106 
Near and Middle East  0 0 0 -6 0 -6 
Israel  0 0 0 -6 0 -6 
Other Near and Middle East  -1 2 0 1 1 3 
Persian Gulf  1 23 -4 30 58 108 
North Africa  -5 3 -4 2 5 1 
Sub-Saharan Africa  -55 77 15 42 -83 -4 
Unclassified  -1,212  423 406 -80 -792 -1,255  
TOTAL  2,242  3,460  2,328  920 -791 8,159  
Note:  The statistics shown in the table are based on the directional investment principle, which differs from 
the criteria used to compile the balance of payments according to BPM6.  
Source:  BCU.WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 31 - 
  2  TRADE AND INVESTMENT  REGIMES  
2.1  General legal framework  
2.1.  Uruguay is a unitary republic which has a presidential system and is governed by three  powers 
independent of each other: the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. The Constitution of the 
Republic (1967), last revised in 2004, is the supreme law of Uruguay's legal system.  
2.2.  The President of the Republic is the Head of State. The President and the Vice -President are 
elected on the same ballot by universal suffrage every five years but may not stand for consecutive 
re-election.1 The Cabinet of the Execut ive is composed of 13 ministries, each headed by a minister 
chosen by the President. The President is responsible for guiding, formulating and enforcing State 
policy.2 
2.3.  Legislative power is vested in the General Assembly (Parliament), which comprises the Ho use 
of Representatives (99 members) and the Senate (30  members). The members of both h ouses are 
elected by universal suffrage for a five -year term.  
2.4.  The Judiciary comprises, in descending hierarchical order, the Supreme Court of Justice; 
appeals courts; cou rts of first instance; magistrates' courts; small claims courts; and misdemeanour 
courts. The Supreme Court, the highest body in th e Judiciary, is made up of five  members appointed 
by the General Assembly, who may remain in office for ten years or up to ag e 70 and cannot be 
re-elected. Judges in the other courts are selected by the Supreme Court.  
2.5.  The Constitution of the Republic is the highest  ranking instrument in the Uruguayan legal 
system, followed in descending order by international treaties, laws, decrees and resolutions. The 
negotiation and signing of international treaties falls within the exclusive purview of the President of 
the Republic, together with the competent minister or ministers or the Council of Ministers. Once 
signed, treaties require  approval by the Legislature for ratification.3 
2.6.  Both the Executive and either of the houses of the parliament are empowered to initiate draft 
laws, with the exception of motions on tax exemptions or laying down minimum wages or prices, 
which must be tabled  by the Executive.4 The procedure for drawing up laws in Uruguay has not been 
changed since the last review (Box  2.1). 
Box 2.1 Procedure for drawing up legislation  
The first stage (proposal) consists in the subm ission of a draft by a member of either of the houses of the 
General Assembly or by a minister, representing the Executive, to one of the houses of the parliament.  
In the second stage (discussion and approval), once the draft is approved in the first hous e, it is submitted to 
the other house for endorsement, the introduction of amendments or additions, or rejection. A number of 
situations may arise:  
a. The receiving house approves the draft unchanged: The submitting house will be notified 
accordingly and the approved text will be forwarded to the Executive.  
b. The receiving house dismisses the draft law without comment: The text will remain without effect 
until the next legislature.  
c. The receiving house amends the draft: The amended text is returned to the submitting house, 
which may in turn: (i) approve the amendments, in which case the draft will be passed on to the 
Executive, or (ii) reject the amendments, whereby it may request a meeting of both houses to 
approve the draft in its original form. To be app roved, the origi nal draft requires a 
two-thirds  majority of the votes of the members of the Assembly present. Once adopted, it is 
forwarded to the Executive. If a quorum is not reached, the draft will remain without effect until 
the next legislature.  
                                                
1 Articles 151 and 152 of the Constitution.  
2 Decree No.  380/997 of 4  November  1997.  
3 Article 168, point 20, of the Constitution.  
4 Article 133 of the Constitution.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 32 - 
  In the third stage (enactment), the Executive examines the draft law as already approved by the two houses 
separately or by the Assembly. Three cases may arise:  
a. The Executive approves the draft submitted without comment: The text is enacted.  
b. The Executive form ulates objections or comments in regard to the draft, and returns it to the 
General Assembly within a mandatory time -limit of ten days. The General Assembly then has a 
maximum period of 30 days in which to decide by a three -fifths majority of the members p resent 
of each house whether: (i) it approves the text as amended by the Executive, or (ii) it rejects the 
Executive's comments.a If the houses together do not approve the draft with the 
Executive's  comments, the text will remain without effect, and may no t be tabled again until the 
next legislature.  
c. The Executive does not act within the ten -day time -limit: The text is accepted and enters into law, 
at the request of the house that submitted it.  
a The Executive's comments shall be considered as accepted in the absence of any objections from the 
Assembly within the 30 -day period.  
Source:  Section VII, Constitution of the Republic.  
2.7.  The Administrative Court (TCA) is an independent body outside the Judiciary; it is composed 
of five members, elected by the General  Assembly.5 The TCA, at the request of a party, is responsible 
for verifying the legality of final administrative acts emanating from the government authorities and 
may annul a decision taken by a public institution.  
2.2  Trade policy formulation and objectives  
2.8.  One of the key objectives of Uruguay's trade policy, which has not substantially changed since 
the last review in 2012, is to ensure stable and predictable market access. The authorities consider 
that Uruguay's integration in international markets should be addressed simultaneously through 
bilateral, regional and multilateral trade negotiations.6 Uruguay believes that achieving successful 
integration in global markets also calls for increased competitiveness of its economy on the domestic 
front. Its strate gy focuses on transformation of Uruguay's production system, promoting innovative 
activities with higher levels of value added and greater domestic technological content. A new 
National System for Productive Transformation and Competitiveness was establish ed with this aim 
in mind.7 
2.9.  Uruguay is a founding member of MERCOSUR. Accordingly, Uruguay's trade policy  is 
determined to a large extent by the common decisions adopted by the bloc. MERCOSUR regulations 
stipulate that no member may unilaterally apply trade  policy measures on goods, apart from 
specifically agreed exceptions.  
2.10.   The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for planning, directing, implementing and 
coordinating Uruguay's foreign policy and international relations. It falls to the MRREE to deal with 
international issues in areas assigned to other ministries. International trade negotiations are 
conducted in coordination with the MEF and with technical support from the relevant State bodies, 
including notably the Ministry of Industry, Energy and M ining (MIEM), the Ministry of Livestock, 
Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) and the Planning and Budget Office (OPP) within the Office of the 
President of the Republic.  
2.11.   The Ministry of the Economy and Finance is responsible for directing the country's econom ic 
and financial policy and for formulating and implementing trade policy. The Trade Policy Advisory 
Office (APC) advises the MEF on trade policy and foreign trade, as well as coordinating and 
participating in bilateral, regional and multilateral trade neg otiations. The MEF works in collaboration 
with other ministries, as well as the OPP and other inter -institutional bodies, to fulfil its objectives 
(Table  2.1). 
                                                
5 Articles 307 et seq. of the Constitution.  
6 Interministerial Commission set up by Resolution No.  615/05 of 24  March  2006, Informe sob re 
inserción internacional, promoción de exportaciones y atracción de inversiones . 
7 Law No.  19.472 of 23  December  2016.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 33 - 
  Table 2.1 Institutions involved in trade policy  
Ministries and offices  Main duties  
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
(MRREE) Negotiates, signs and ratifies treaties, conventions, contracts and agreements 
between the Republic and States or foreign or international agencies;  
and conducts international trade neg otiations within the foreign policy 
framework.  
Ministry of the Economy and 
Finance (MEF) Directs national economic, financial and trade policy.  
Coordinates and oversees economic planning and its implementation.  
Establishes and promotes the domestic and foreign trade regime.  
Governs the foreign investment regime.  
Directs the tax regime and fiscal administration.  
Directs the customs regime.  
Acts as financial controller for State bodies, enterprises and operations.  
Governs competition policy.  
Handles relati ons with international agencies within its area of responsibility.  
Planning and Budget Office 
(OPP) Formulates national and departmental -level programmes and policies 
consistent with the country's economic strategy.  
Evaluates the budget, investment plans and tariffs of state-owned enterprises.  
Prepares the draft law on the budget and accounting report.  
Ministry of Livestock, 
Agriculture and Fisheries 
(MGAP) Monitors animal and plant health and the hygiene and health condition of 
agricultural products.  
Supervises the marketing, composition and destination criteria for agricultural 
inputs.  
Promotes the competitiveness and marketing of products in the agro -industrial, 
agricultural and fisheries sectors, optimizing their integration in international 
markets . 
Ministry of Industry, Energy 
and Mining (MIEM) Frames and implements policies relating to the sectors under its jurisdiction.  
Manages regulated regimes and rules against unfair trade practices, subsidies 
and safeguards, acting as the technical body for cases involving the industrial 
sector.  
Ministry of Health (MSP) Promotes harmonization of health -related quality parameters for goods, 
services and inputs as well as sanitary control mechanisms, within the 
framework of the regional and global integration processes.  
Source : Online information from the MEF, viewed at: https://www.mef.gub.uy/17250/1/mef/cometidos -del-
ministerio -de-economia -y-finanzas.htm ; online information from the OPP, viewed at: 
http://www.opp.gub.uy/somos/la -opp; online information from the MGAP, viewed at: 
http://www.mgap.gub.uy/institucional/ministerio/cometidos -del-mgap ; online information from the 
MIEM, viewed at: http://www.miem.gub.uy/institucional/organizacion -y-funciones/cometidos ; online 
information from the MSP , viewed at: http://www.msp.gub.uy/institucional/cometidos -0; and 
Decree  No. 197/997 of 11  June 1997.  
2.12.   In 2016, the functions of the Interministerial Commission  for Foreign Trade Affairs (CIACEX), 
a liaison bod y between public entities for trade -related matters8, were absorbed into the National 
System for Productive Transformation ( Transforma Uruguay ), with the aim of promoting sustainable 
economic development.9 According to information provided by the authoriti es, the System's principal 
missions include proposing to the Government objectives, policies and strategies for sustainable 
productive economic development, geared towards  transforming domestic patterns of production 
and enhancing competitiveness, includin g in the area of applied science, technology and innovation 
for production and international economic integration.  
2.13.   Uruguay XXI, known prior to 2017 as the Institute for the Promotion of Investment and 
Exports of Goods and Services and the Country’s Image, is the body responsible for promoting 
foreign investment in Uruguay, as well as exports of goods and services, and their diversification in 
terms of markets and products. Uruguay XXI advises the public sector on matters concerning the 
promotion of goods an d services exports, and is tasked with providing information to potential 
investors and to exporters, with particular emphasis on micro, small and medium enterprises 
(MSMEs), as well as coordinating the work carried out by public and private entities in th is area. 
Within the framework of the National System for Productive Transformation and Competitiveness 
(Transforma Uruguay ), in 2017 Uruguay XXI implemented a new programme, Proexport+, the 
                                                
8 Decree No.  101 of 18  April 2006.  
9 Law No.  19.472 of 23  December  2016.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 34 - 
  objective of which is "to support Uruguayan micro, small and mediu m goods and services enterprises 
in their internationalization process".10 
2.14.   At end -2017, the OPP was drawing up the "National Development Strategy 2050", which will  
contain an analysis of the country's structural conditions and will set long -term economic an d social 
guidelines and targets for Uruguay to achieve sustainable development.11 
2.3  Trade agreements and arrangements  
2.3.1   WTO  
2.15.   The Eastern Republic of Uruguay is a founding member of the WTO. During the period under 
review, Uruguay continued to participate actively in the Organization.  
2.16.   In July  2014, Uruguay notified the WTO of its acceptance of the Protocol Amending the 
Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).12 Likewise, in 
January  2016, Uruguay notified the WTO Council for  Trade in Services that it was granting 
preferential treatment to services and service suppliers of least developed countries, in accordance 
with the decisions on the services waiver adopted at the Eighth and Ninth WTO Ministerial  
Conferences.13 Uruguay deposited the instrument of ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement 
in August  2016. It notified its  Category  A commitments under the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 
July 2014.14 Uruguay is neither party nor observer to the plurilateral Agreements o n Government 
Procurement and on Trade in Civil Aircraft; nor is it party to the Information  Technology Agreement 
(ITA).  
2.17.   This is the fifth review of Uruguay's trade policies by the Trade Policy Review Body.  
2.18.   Uruguay grants most -favoured -nation (MFN) treatmen t to all its trading partners (including 
non-WTO Members).  
2.19.   Uruguay submitted several notifications to the WTO during the period under review 
(Table  A2.1). In March  2018, Uruguay had some pending notifications in relation to the 
Agreement  on Agriculture . 
2.20.   During the review period, Uruguay has not been involved in any dispute as a complainant or 
as a respondent; it has participated as a third party in six disputes, five of them relating to tobacco 
plain packaging (DS434, DS435, DS441, DS458 and DS467) and the sixth relating to cellulose pulp 
(DS483).  
2.21.   Uruguay participates actively in the work of the WTO, especially as a member of the 
Cairns  Group and the G -20 (Agriculture), both focusing on the negotiations on agricultural trade. 
Uruguay considers that the multi lateral trading system constitutes a fundamental pillar for global 
governance and has reaffirmed its belief in the WTO's role as the pre -eminent forum for multilateral 
trade negotiations.  
2.22.   In its capacity as primarily an agricultural exporter, Uruguay has a dvocated revival of the 
Doha Development Agenda (DDA) with a view to achieving broader market access and eliminating 
export subsidies for agricultural products, among other objectives.15 During the Nairobi Ministerial 
Conference, Uruguay reiterated its appe al to progress towards the elimination of domestic support 
measures and towards improving access to agricultural markets, as well as expressing the need to 
level the playing field between agricultural trade and trade in manufactured goods.16 Uruguay stated,  
in unison with other countries, that the failure to deliver on ambitious reforms to address the 
                                                
10 National System for Competitiveness (Law No.  19.472 of 23  December  2016).  
11 Online information from the OPP, viewed at: 
http://www.opp.gub.uy/images/ Hacia_una_Estrategia_Nacional_de_Desarrollo_Uruguay_2050.pdf . 
12 Online information viewed at: https://www.wto.org/spanish/tratop_s/trips_s/amendment_s.htm . 
13 WTO documents WT/L/84 7 of 17  December  2011,  WT/L/918 of 11  December  2013 and S/C/N/857 of 
20 January  2016.  
14 WTO document WT/PCTF/N/URY/1 of 31  July 2014.  
15 WTO document WT/MIN(13)/ST/54 of 5  December  2013.  
16 WTO document WT/MIN(15)/ST/27 of 18  December  2015.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 35 - 
  imbalances in agriculture has limited the development benefits in terms of employment, revenue 
generation and poverty alleviation.17 During the Buenos Aires Min isterial Conference, Uruguay 
reaffirmed its "deep dedication to multilateralism" and, in particular, its commitment to the 
rules-based multilateral trading system. On the same occasion, Uruguay stated that it considers the 
negotiations on agriculture as a central pillar of the negotiations within the WTO. Uruguay thus urged 
Members to define a work plan that would lead into "serious, balanced and meaningful negotiations" 
over the following two years on agricultural issues, and in other areas such as e -comme rce and 
investment facilitation18 
2.3.2   Regional and preferential agreements  
2.3.2.1   MERCOSUR  
2.23.   Uruguay is a founding member of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), together with 
Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.19 The ultimate objective of MERCOSUR is to establish a common  
market providing for the free movement of goods, services, capital and labour among member 
countries.  
2.24.   MERCOSUR'S principal decision -making organs are: the Common Market Council (CMC), the 
Common Market Group (GMC) and the MERCOSUR Trade Commission (CCM). States Parties use a 
common external tariff (CET), in force since 1  January  1995, to which there are exceptions for each 
member, laid down in Decisions of the CMC. Furthermore, there is a special regime for capital goods 
(BK list) and for information techn ology and telecommunication products (BIT list), under which the 
States Parties may apply tariffs other than the CET. The sugar and automotive sectors have not yet 
been incorporated in the Customs Union (Section  3). 
2.25.   In 2004, the members of the bloc signed an Agreement on the elimination of the double 
levying of the CET and on the distribution of customs revenue, the aim of which is to achieve the 
free movement of goods and eliminate the double levying of CET duties, but which it has not yet 
been possible to  implement.20 The Agreement provides for implemen tation in two stages. The 
first stage concerns all goods imported from third countries with a zero CET rate in all the 
States  Parties, as well as goods with a tariff preference of 100% under agreements conclu ded by 
MERCOSUR with third parties. The second stage is expected to cover all other goods; however, 
implementation of this stage is contingent on adoption of the MERCOSUR Customs Code, which has 
not yet entered into force, and would entail the introduction  of a mechanism to distribute customs 
revenue, as well as interconnection of the computerized customs management systems of all the 
Member States.21 
2.26.   Uruguay, together with the other MERCOSUR members, signed two trade agreements which 
entered into force duri ng the period under review, with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Southern 
African Customs Union (SACU) (Table  2.2).22 
                                                
17 WTO document WT /MIN(15)/W/5 of 10  November  2015 (proposal from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, 
Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Paraguay, Rwanda, Uruguay and Viet Nam).  
18 WTO document WT/MIN(17)/ST/12/Rev.1 of 9  January  2018.  
19 Establ ished by the Treaty of Asunción, 26 March  1991.  
20 CMC Decision No.  54 of 16  December  2004.  
21 As at November  2017, Argentina (2012) was the only member that had approved the MERCOSUR 
Customs Code.  
22 The SACU comprises South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 36 - 
  Table 2.2 Overview of Uruguay's regional trade agreements that entered into force 
between  2012 and 2017  
MERCOSUR – EGYPT  
Parties  MERCOSUR (Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil) – Arab Republic of Egypt  
Date of signature/date of 
entry into force  2 August  2010/1  September  2017 
Time-frame for tariff 
elimination  10 years (2027)  
Tariff elimination schedulea In annual increments:  
Basket A: immediate  
Basket B: within 4 years  
Basket C: within 8 years  
Basket D: within 10 years  
Basket E: to be determined 
Provisions relating to trade 
in goods  Market access; rules of origin; safeguard measures ; customs cooperation  
Provisions relating to trade 
in services  Investment promotion; inception of a joint committee for negotiations on trade 
in services  
Other provisions  Transparency and dispute settlement procedures  
Relevant WTO document  WT/COMTD/N/56  of 19 February  2018 
Website  https://www.mef.gub.uy/innovaportal/file/22415/3/tlc_egipto_texto.pdf   
MERCOSUR – SACU  
Parties  MERCOSUR (Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil) – SACU (South Africa, 
Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland)  
Date of signature/date of 
entry into force  15 December  2008 and 3  April 2009/1  April 2016 
Deadline for tariff 
elimination  Upon entry into force of the agreement (2016)  
Lines subject to  tariff 
preferences (HS2007)  465 (100%)  
53 (50%)  
89 (25%)  
121 (10%)  
Provisions relating to trade 
in goods  Market access; rules of origin; safeguard measures; customs cooperation; 
sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical regulations  
Provisions re lating to trade 
in services  None 
Other provisions  Dispute settlement  
Relevant WTO document  WT/COMTD/N/55 of 20  July 2017 
Website  http://apc.mef.gub.uy/innovaportal/file/712/6/acuerdo -mercosur -sacu.pdf  
(MERCOSUR)  
http://www.sacu.int/docs/agreements/2016/mercosur -and-sacu-
tradeagreement.pdf  (SACU)  
a Article 11, MERCOSUR -Egypt Free Trade Agreement. The tariff lines subject to the tariff elimination 
scheme are listed in detail in Annexes  I.1 and I.2 to the Agreement.  
Source : Texts of the agreements and MRREE Press Release No.  38/16. Viewed at: 
http://www.sice.oas.org/TPD/MER_SACU/Entryintoforce/MER -SACU_entry_into_force_s.pdf . 
2.27.   During the review period, Uruguay signed two other agreements as a memb er of MERCOSUR, 
with Palestine (20  December  2011) and with Colombia (21  July 2017), which have not yet entered 
into force.  
2.3.3   Other agreements and arrangements  
2.28.   Uruguay is a member of the Latin American Integration Association (LAIA). During the period 
under review, Uruguay signed two new agreements as a LAIA member: the 
Economic  Complementarity Agreement between MERCOSUR and Colombia (ACE  No. 72) and the  
Free Tra de Agreement with Chile.23 
2.29.   In 2016, Uruguay signed a Free Trade Agreement with Chile. The Agreement covers several 
areas (trade facilitation, e -commerce, protection of free competition), and maintains the tariff 
preferences contained in ACE  No. 35 between M ERCOSUR and Chile.24 As at November  2017, the 
                                                
23 Online information vie wed at: https://www.mef.gub.uy/23415/3/areas/ace -72-colombia -
mercosur.html . 
24 Free Trade Agreement between MERCOSUR and Chile (ACE  No. 35) of 25  June 1996.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 37 - 
  Agreement had not yet entered into force. In 2009, the two countries had signed an Agreement on 
Government Procurement.25 
2.30.   Uruguay continues to be a beneficiary of the Generalized System of Preferences 
(GSP)  schem es of Australia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, 
Switzerland and Turkey. During the period under review, Uruguay ceased being a beneficiary of the 
GSP schemes of Canada, the European Union, Japan and the United States.  
2.31.   Uruguay participates in the Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP), which currently 
comprises 42 developing countries. The GSTP provides for exchange of concessions among its 
beneficiaries (except least developed countries, which are not required to make c oncessions on a 
reciprocal basis).26 A protocol building on the GSTP was signed in 2010, but has not yet entered into 
force.27 If ratified, it would grant, among other benefits, tariff preferences of 20 % for 70 % of the 
products exported by Uruguay to Cuba, E gypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Morocco and the Republic 
of Korea.28 
2.4  Investment regime  
2.32.   Uruguay's investment regime, including foreign investment, continues to be governed by the 
Investment Law of 1998 and its regulatory decrees, including Decree No.  02/01 2 of 2012.29 
2.33.   Uruguay provides for national treatment of foreign investment and guarantees 
non-discrimination. Foreign investment may not be the subject of unjustified measures.30 The State 
guarantees legal stability of exemptions, benefits and rights accorde d to the investor under the 
Investment Law. Capital, profits and other gains associated with the investment may be freely 
transferred.31 
2.34.   No prior authorization or registration is required in order to make an investment in Uruguay.32 
Foreign companies may ope rate in the country, either through a branch, or through incorporation in 
any form of corporate structure provided for in domestic law.33 
2.35.   Foreign investors may engage in any type of economic activity, except: the provision of radio 
and broadcasting services , cabotage, domestic air, land, maritime, river and lake passenger 
transport, and fishing within a band of 12 nautical miles.34 These activities were already reserved 
for Uruguayan nationals in 2012. The hiring of foreign staff is restricted in sectors such  as fisheries, 
cabotage and Uruguayan -owned air, land, maritime, river or lake means of transport, as well as in 
audiovisual services.35 Also, no more than a quarter of the labour force employed in free  zones may 
be foreign.36 
2.36.   Uruguay offers incentives for domestic and foreign investment. The Investment Law 
establishes two regimes: a regime of general incentives (which applies automatically) and a regime 
                                                
25 Approved by Law  No. 18.909 of 23  May 2012.  
26 Article 17 of the Global System of Trade Preferences. Viewed at: 
http://unctad.org/en/Docs/ditcmisc57_en.pdf ; and information provided by the authorities.  
27 The Sao Paulo Protocol was signed by 11 of the 42 countries in the GSTP. The signatories of the 
Protocol are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, the Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, 
Morocco and Cuba. GSTP members Press Release of 24  April 2012. Viewed at: 
http://unctad.org/en/pages/PressRelease.aspx?OriginalVersionID=65 . 
28 Online information from Uruguay XXI, viewed at: 
http://www.uruguayxxi.gub.uy/guia/descargas/Acuerdos%20Internacionales.pdf . 
29 Law No.  16.906 of 7  January  1998 on investment promotion and protection in the national interest 
(Investment Law).  
30 Articles 2 and 4 of the Investment Law.  
31 Ibid., Articles 19 and 5.  
32 Ibid., Article 3.  
33 The types of company allowed in Uruguay are given in Law No.  16.060 on Commercial Companies of 
4 September  1989.  
34 Law No.  12.091 of 26  January  1954, Decree No.  230/997 of 9 July 1997, Law No.  14.370 of 
13 October  1954 and Law No.  13.833 of 29  December  1969.  
35 Law No.  13.833 of 29  December  1969, Decree No.  149/997 of 7  May 1997, Law No.  12.091 of 
26 January  1954, Law No.  14.650 of 12  May 1977, Law No.  16.387 of 27  June 1993 and Law No.  16.099 of 
4 December  1989.  
36 Article 18, Law No.  15.291 on Free Zones.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 38 - 
  of incentives for specific investments. The tax concessions granted under t he Investment Law are 
regulated, inter alia , by Decree No.  59/998, Decree No.  455/007, which was superseded by Decree 
No. 02/012, and specific/sectoral decrees.  
2.37.   The general regime includes exemption from the wealth tax (IP) for fixed assets, exemption 
from value added tax (VAT) and the specific internal tax (IMESI) for imports of fixed assets and VAT 
refund for fixed assets purchased in the domestic market. Furthermore, when calculating the tax on 
income from economic activities (IRAE), deductions of up to 40% may be made on investments for 
movable property and up to 20% on investments for civil engineering works.37 The general incentives 
are available to any taxpayer subject to the IRAE and the tax on the sale of agricultural goods 
(IMEBA).  
2.38.   Since 2012, the i ncentives regime for specific investments has provided for exemption from  
the IRAE of up to a maximum equivalent to 100 % of the total amount actually invested.38 Prior to 
that, the IRAE exemption depended on the size of the investment and ranged from 60 % to 100% of 
the invested capital.39 Specific investments are also exempt from the IP, taxes and duties on the 
import of property, plant and equipment intended for civil engineering works and from VAT for the 
purchase in the domestic market of materials and ser vices used for civil engineering works.40 
2.39.   The incentive s regime for specific investments is open to: (i) enterprises whose investment 
projects are declared to be "promoted by the Government", or (ii) are related to a specific sectoral 
activity. In granting the benefits, the Government takes into account activities that seek to: 
(i) increase productivity through technological progress; (ii) expand and diversify exports; 
(iii) create employment and use local labour and inputs; (iv) integrate the country in val ue-added 
production chains; (v) foster the development of MSMEs; and (vi) contribute to geographical 
decentralization.41 Investors, whether domestic or foreign, who plan to invest in one of these 
activities must submit an application to the Committee for th e Implementation of the 
Investment  Law (COMAP).42 The COMAP assesses the projects on the basis of six indicators: 
(i) employment creation; (ii) contribution to geographical decentralization; (iii) increased exports; 
(iv) use of clean technologies; (v) incre ased research, development and innovation; and 
(vi) sector -specific indicators.43 The weighting of each indicator and the score assigned to a project 
are determined on the basis of a matrix drawn up by the competent ministry according to the nature 
of the p roject.44 
2.40.   Biotechnology, the shipbuilding industry, electronics, construction, tourism and renewable 
energy are among the sectors that were included in the incentive regime for specific investments 
during the period under review.45 
2.41.   The industrial estates reg ime created in 2002 remains in force.46 Industrial estates may be 
state-owned or private. They may be set up by: (i) private entities; (ii) the National Development 
Corporation (CND) or departmental governments. Estates set up by the CND have to be entirely  or 
partially devoted to micro and small enterprises. To set up an industrial estate, an authorization 
from the Government is required, following a report from an Interministerial Advisory Committee, 
which assesses industrial estate projects on the basis o f the following indicators: (i) job creation; 
                                                
37 Decree No.  150/007 of 26  April 2007.  
38 Article 16 of Decree No.  02/012 of 9  January  2012.  
39 Decree No.  455/007 of 26  November  2007.  
40 Article 19 of Decree No.  002/012 of 9  January  2012.  
41 Article 11 of the Investment Law.  
42 The COMAP is made up of representatives of the following Ministries: Economy and Finance; Industry, 
Energy and Mining; Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries; and Labo ur and Social Security; it also includes 
representatives of the OPP and the Decentralization Committee provided for by the Constitution (Article 12 of 
the Investment Law).  
43 Article 5 of Decree No.  02/012 of 9  January  2012.  
44 Online information from the ME F and the Private Sector Support Unit (UNASEP), viewed at: 
https://www.mef.gub.uy/9828/8/areas/indicadores -y-matrices.html . 
45 The full list of new activities eligible for the s pecific regime is available at: 
http://comap.mef.gub.uy/102/7/areas/actividades -promovidas.html . 
46 Law No.  17.547 of 21  July 2002 on Industrial Estates, and Decree No.  524/005 (Regulation of the 
activity of industrial estates) of 19  December  2005.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 39 - 
  (ii) geographical decentralization; (iii) import substitution; (iv) technological progress; (v) export 
growth; and (vi) opening up of new markets.47 
2.42.   Natural or legal persons that set up an industrial estate and those established there as users 
are eligible for several of the fiscal incentives granted by the Investment Law and the Law on 
Industrial Estates.48 The incentives granted to enterprises setting up an industrial estate vary  
according to the region where th e estate  is located. For this purpose, the country has been divided 
into four zones: north, east and centre; west coast; south; and metropolitan area .49 The regime 
provides for an exemption of between 50 % and 75 % on the IRAE for reinvested profits, depending 
on the zone where the estate  has been established.50 The following tax concessions are also 
available: (i) exemption from the IP on fixed assets installed or used exclusively in the industrial 
estate  for a peri od of seven years; (ii) for payment of the IRAE, investments may be amortized  
according to the location of the estate  and the nature of the investment: investments in civil 
engineering works may be amortized  over a period of 9 to 15 years and in equipment over a period 
of two to five years; (iii) total exemption from import duties on machinery and equipment that do 
not compete with the domestic industry (i.e. products that are not produced domestically), and on 
fixed assets to be used for civil engineering works; and (iv) tax credits for VAT paid on purchases of 
materials, machinery and equipment for the construction of civil engineering works .51 However, 
enterprises that set up estates  are not eligible for the IRAE exemption set forth in the 
Investment  Law. 
2.43.   In 2017, Uruguay had nine industrial estates  and a further nine industrial park projects were 
in progress.  
2.44.   Uruguay has declared promotion and protection of investment to be a matter of national 
interest. Uruguay XXI is tasked with providing assistance to f oreign investors free of charge. It 
supports foreign investors in setting up in the country, advises them on the procedure for obtaining 
the incentives, and periodically draws up sectoral studies and macroeconomic analyses.  
2.45.   The National Economic Developmen t Agency (ANDE) designs and implements programmes, 
projects and tools to build business capacity (especially for MSMEs) and to foster development 
nationwide through cooperation between the public and private sectors. The ANDE coordinates its 
efforts with U ruguay XXI within the framework of the National System for Productive Transformation 
and Competitiveness ( Transforma Uruguay ) for the implementation of programmes to promote 
investment by MSMEs and their internationalization.52 
2.46.   Other institutions involved i n promoting and protecting investment are the 
National  Development Corporation (CND) and the Private Sector Support Unit (UNASEP) of the MEF. 
The overall remit of the CND is to develop infrastructure of public interest and associated  services. 
Since 2011, the CND has also been responsible for promoting the implementation of public -private 
partnership projects.53 The UNASEP's principal function is to advise investors on the new fiscal 
exemptions available and to support investors with all the formalities for submitting a project to the 
COMAP.54 
2.47.   Uruguay has 30 bilateral investment promotion and protection agreements in force. In the 
review period, one new agreement was signed, with Japan (2015). Uruguay has 19 current 
agreements to avoid double taxation, 14 of w hich came into effect during the period under review. 
The country also has 15 tax information exchange agreements.55 
                                                
47 Article 9, Law on Industrial Estates No.  17.547 of 21  July 2002.  
48 Law No.  17547 of 22  August  2002.  
49 The incentive percentage increases according to the zone where the enterprise se ts up business. It 
stands at 56.25% for the metropolitan area; 62.5% for the south; 68.75% for the west coast; and 75% for the 
north, east and centre of the country.  
50 Article 15 of Decree No.  524/005 (Regulation of the activity of industrial estates).  
51 Decree No.  524/005 (Regulation of the activity of industrial estates).  
52 Law No.  18.602 on the ANDE of 21  September  2009.  
53 Law No.  15.785 of 4  December  1985 and Law No.  18.786 of 19  July 2011.  
54 Online information from the UNASEP, viewed at: http://unasep.mef.gub.uy/5316/8/areas/cometidos -
e-historia -institucional.html . 
55 Online information from the MEF, viewed at: https://www.mef.gub.uy/10222/8/areas/acuerdos -en-
materia -tributaria.html . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 40 - 
  2.48.   Uruguay is a member of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes 
(ICSID) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agen cy (MIGA). Uruguay has a pending dispute 
before the ICSID as a respondent, in a case concerning revocation of a licence in the 
telecommunication sector.56 
                                                
56 Italba Corporation v. Oriental Republic of Uruguay. ICSID Case No.  ARB/16/9. Viewed at: 
https://icsid.worldbank.org . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 41 - 
  3  TRADE POLICIES AND P RACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1  Measures directly affecting imports  
3.1.1   Customs  procedures and requirements and customs valuation  
3.1.  In Uruguay, customs procedures are mainly governed by the Customs Code of the 
Eastern  Republic of Uruguay (CAROU)1, which repealed the former Customs Code of 19842, as well 
as by regulatory decrees, orders  (O/D) and general resolutions of the National Customs Directorate 
(DNA), which are used to approve specific procedures such as the implementation of the digital 
Single Customs Document (DUA) for importation, automated document management, special import 
procedures and import procedures for specific products (Table 3.1).  
Table 3.1 Customs legislation  
Legislation  Subject  
Decree No.  96/2015  Persons linked to customs activity  
Decree No.  97/2015  Selective controls which may be carried out by the DNA in connection with the 
entry, stay and departure of goods and persons in free zones  
Decree No.  98/2015  Special customs procedures concerning the return of goods, shipments on 
consignment and the replacement of goods  
Decree No.  99/2015  Various categories of customs warehouses  
Order (O/D) 69/2012  Provides for the entry into force of the digital single customs import document  
O/D 3/2012  Approves the electronic payment procedure for all foreign trade operators in  
import and transit operations  
O/D 8/2012  Automated document management  
O/D 46/2012  Special import procedures  
O/D 96/2012  Provides for the entry into force of the digital single customs export document  
O/D 82/2013  Importation of goods under cover of generic exemptions  
O/D 76/2014  Control of consolidated cargoes arriving by air  
O/D 69/2014  Control of cargoes arriving by sea  
O/D 70/2014  Control of cargoes leaving by sea  
General Resolution 
(RG) 69/2015  Control procedure for consolidated cargoes arriving by air  
RG 72/2015  Procedure for importing goods under cover of investment projects  
RG 73/2015  Lodging of the goods declaration  
RG 81/2015  Filing and storage of electronic documents and/or paper media concerning 
customs operations  
RG 90/2015  Communication by the freight agent  
RG 87/2016  Pre-arrival goods declaration (urgent DUA)  
RG 6/2017  Procedure for the return of goods  
O/D 74/2013  Procedure for importing medical equipment of medium and large size  
RG 87/2015  Control procedure for the import, export and transit of psychotropic substances  
RG 88/2015  Procedure for the import, export and transit of narcotic drugs  
RG 89/2015  Control procedure for the import, export and transit of precursors and chemical 
products  
RG 43/2016  Control procedure for the duty -free importation of medicinal foods and the like 
for human consumption  
RG 50/2016  Control procedure for the import of low -voltage electrical products  
RG 57/2016  Control procedure for goods covered by Law No.  18.597, energy efficien cy and its 
exceptions  
RG 62/2016  Control procedure for the import, export and transit of live hydrobiological 
species  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.2.  The National Customs Directorate (DNA) in the Ministry of the Economy and Finance (MEF)  is 
the agency responsible for import procedures. Importers do not have to register with the DNA; they 
are only required to enrol in the Single Tax Register (RUT) of the Directorate -General of Taxation 
(DGI) and with the State Insurance Bank (BSE). Neverth eless, special registration is required to 
import products such as: insecticides, medicines, medical equipment, non -alcoholic beverages, 
paints and certain packaging (Table A3.1).  
                                                
1 Law No.  19.276 of 19  September  2014.  
2 Decree -Law No.  15.691 of 7  December  1984.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 42 - 
  3.3.  In Uruguay, it is compulsory to employ a customs clearing agent to handle th e clearance of 
goods.3 However, the services of a customs clearing agent are not required to clear international 
postal items of a non -commercial nature, travellers' baggage, express international postal items 
(with a value of not more than US$200) or thos e of government agencies, together with goods 
imported by Uruguayans resident abroad on their return to the country.4 The CAROU establishes the 
requirements for authorization as a customs clearing agent, which include that of being domiciled in 
the country  (Article  16). 
3.4.  Uruguay has not implemented any new import procedures s ince 2012. The country has 
five customs import procedures: outright importation; temporary admission for re -exportation in the 
same state; temporary admission for inward processing; cust oms warehousing; and customs transit 
(Articles 119 to 126) (Table 3.2).5 
Table 3.2 Import procedures  
Outright importation  
The imported goods may circulate freely within the national customs territory, subject  to the payment of 
import duties and taxes and, where appropriate, non -tariff requirements.  
Temporary admission for re -exportation in the same state  
The goods are imported for a specific purpose and for a specified period, subject to the requirement that  
they be re -exported in the same state, without payment of the duties and taxes to which they would be 
liable if imported outright, with the exception of port charges, or payment of the duties and taxes levied on 
re-exportation.  
Temporary admission for in ward processing  
The goods are imported, without payment of duties and taxes, other than port charges, to undergo specified 
manufacturing, processing or repair or some other authorized operation, followed by re -exportation within a 
specified period.  
Custo ms warehousing  
The imported goods enter and remain in a customs warehouse, without payment of duties and taxes, other 
than charges, in order subsequently to be admitted into the country under some other customs procedure, 
or to be reloaded or re -exported. The goods may remain under the customs warehousing procedure for a 
period of up to five years, with the possibility of extension. Decree No. 99/2015 regulating the CAROU does 
not specify the number of times that an extension may be granted. Each extension is examined on a 
case-by-case basis.  
Modes of customs warehousing (may be employed simultaneously):  
(a) storage warehousing: the goods may only undergo operations to enable them to be recognized, 
preserved, or divided up into batches or volumes or any other operation that does not affect their 
value or change their nature or state;  
(b) commercial warehousing: the goods may undergo operations that facilitate their marketing or 
increase their value, without changing their nature or state:  
(c) industrial wareh ousing: the goods may undergo operations intended to change their nature or 
state, including the processing of raw materials and semi -finished products, assembly, mounting 
and other similar operations;  
(d) warehousing for repair and maintenance: the goods may be repaired or maintained, without 
changing their nature;  
(e) temporary warehousing for exhibition purposes or the like: the goods admitted may be intended for 
exhibitions, displays, trade fairs, etc., subject to authorization by the DNA;  
(f) logistical warehousin g: the goods may undergo operations that change their state or nature, 
provided that they do not change their origin and consist of: assembly or mounting; mixing; the 
positioning or replacement of components, parts or accessories; the configuration of hard ware; the 
installation of software; and the preparation of containers, packaging, labels and other products, 
provided that they are used for marketing goods that leave the warehouse.  
Source:  CAROU  (Article 64 of Law No.  19.276 of 19  September  2014).  
3.5.  Furthermore, the MEF is implementing a temporary admission procedure for im porting 
machinery to be used in  particular works  for a specified period, as well as for the entry of goods 
under an investment project approved by the Committee for the Implementati on of the Investment 
Law (COMAP). In the first case, the duration of the temporary admission import authorization 
depends on the time required to carry out the works or provide the service, while in the second it 
depends on the duration of the investment p roject. In the particular case of the entry of agricultural 
                                                
3 Article 14 of Law No.  19.276 of 19  September  2014 approving the Uruguayan Customs Code (CAROU).  
4 Article 15 of the CAROU.  
5 Articles 64 to 96  of the CAROU, Law No.  18.184 of 27  October  2007, and Regulatory Decrees 
No. 505/2009 of 3  November  2009 and No. 166/2015 of 15  June 2015.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 43 - 
  machinery under the temporary admission procedure for the use of rural producers in the frontier 
zones for up to 120 days, the body responsible for granting the authorization is the DNA.6 However,  
in some cases the Directorate -General of Agricultural Services (DGSA) in the Ministry  of Livestock, 
Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) may also have to intervene, to determine the phytosanitary 
requirements.7 
3.6.  There are also special customs procedures, namel y, specific regulations which allow goods, 
means of transport and unit -load cargoes to enter or leave the customs territory or move through 
it, without or with only partial payment of duties and taxes and subject to simplified customs 
clearance, on the bas is of the status of the declarant, the nature of the goods, the use made of the 
goods or their mode of shipment or destination. This treatment is reserved for: baggage; tourists' 
vehicles and effects; crew members' effects; supplies and provisions for on -board consumption; 
diplomatic exemptions; international postal items; samples; aid and rescue consignments; border 
traffic; containers; means of transport for commercial purposes; the return of goods; shipments on 
consignment; and the replacement of goods ( Article 128 of the CAROU).  
3.7.  The goods declaration is lodged electronically. In April  2012, the DNA began using the digital 
Single Customs Document (DUA) for customs clearance in some customs offices as a pilot 
procedure.8 By the end of the same year, the DU A was being used in all customs offices and its use 
for the clearance of imports had been made definitive.9 The digital import DUA is handled by a 
customs clearing agent, who transmits the necessary information to the LUCIA computer system 
(SIL)). Prior to  the numbering and registration of the outright importation or temporary admission 
DUA, the declarant must complete the required supplementary documentation management 
process. The documents required are: the bill of lading consigned to the importer or end orsee; the 
final commercial invoice; the freight and insurance invoice (if not included in the final invoice); the 
certificate of origin (if it is intended to obtain preferential tariff treatment); the necessary certificate 
or authorization, depending on t he goods concerned; and the customs value declaration.  
3.8.  Once the application with the goods declaration has been submitted, the DNA subjects it to a 
preliminary examination, using the LUCIA System, in order to determine whether it contains all the 
data requ ired and whether the corresponding supplementary documentation has been attached. 
If so, it will proceed to register the declaration. If the declaration fails to meet the requirements of 
the customs legislation, the declarant will be informed of the reason (s) for not accepting its 
registration, so that he may make good the shortcomings.  
3.9.  The duties and taxes on goods imported outright must be paid before or at the time of 
registration of the declaration, without prejudice to any adjustments that may subseque ntly be 
required. Customs duties and taxes will be refunded if the DNA finds that they were unduly paid. 
They will also be refunded if the declaration for a customs procedure is cancelled or annulled, with 
the exception of the fees paid for services render ed or made available. Since 2012, the procedure 
for the electronic payment of duties and taxes has been in effect as an alternative or supplementary 
means of payment for import and transit operations.10 
                                                
6 Decree No.  232/991 of 2  May 1991.  
7 Phytosanitary requirements for the introduction into the country of used machin ery, equipment and 
implements for agricultural, forestry or garden use (DGSA Resolution No.  98 of 15  November  2016).  
8 The digital import DUA pilot procedure was implemented by O/D No.  29/2012 of 13  April 2012. By 
means of O/D No.  69/2012, the DNA extended  the digital import DUA pilot procedure for all the country's 
customs clearing agencies, with an end date of 30  September  2012 for Montevideo and Carrasco and 
14 October  2012 for the rest of the country.  
9 O/D No.  29/2012 of 13  April 2012 and No.  55/2012 o f 31 July 2012.  
10 O/D No.  3/2012 of 11  January  2012.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 44 - 
  Chart 3.1 Import procedure  
 
 
Note:  DUA (Single Customs Document); MRE (Regulatory Committee); DNA (National Customs 
Directorate).  
Source:  Procedimiento Dirección Nacional de Aduanas  of 13 April 2012. See: 
https://www.aduanas.gub.uy/innovaportal/file/12336/1/procedimiento_impo_od_69 -2012_.pdf . 
3.10.   At clearance, customs controls are carried out by alloc ating the goods to one of three  channels 
(green, amber or red). C hannels are allocated selectively, in accordance with risk and randomness 
criteria (Chart 3.1). However, imports of some products such as edible oils, sugar  (until 2016) , 
textile products originating (until 2015) in non -MERCOSUR countries, and footwear, mu st pass 
through the red channel (Table A3.2). The release of goods that pass through the green channel is 
authorized immediately. Goods that pass through the amber channel are subject to document checks 
and, in general, the average clearance time is 0.8 da ys. Goods that pass through the red  channel, 
which calls for document checks and/or a physical inspection, take an average of 1.7  days to be 
Message sent
Validated
Duty payment
Second messages sent
Channel request
Prior control
Allocation of 
channel
Printing of DUAOK done
Preparation of the DUA
package
Release and 
availability of the 
goodsNo duty payable Duty payable
With control
Without prior control
Green channel
Green channelRed channelAmber channel
OK -amber
Package –red channel
Package revised –red channel
OK –amber -redDUAauthorized for MRE
DUAauthorized for MREGreen channel
Package
Package filed and National Customs Directorate (DNA) informedDeclarant
Document Management
Examination
Validation and filing of DUApackage
Post facto 
managementWT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 45 - 
  cleared. However, once the goods have been released, the DUA may be selected for post facto  
control; otherwise it w ill be filed, marking the end of the process. Post facto  control involves an 
examination of the documents, data and reports submitted under the customs procedure requested, 
the inspection of the goods and the review of their tariff classification, origin a nd customs valuation, 
in order to confirm the accuracy of the declaration, the source of the goods, the duties and taxes 
collected and the concessions granted. These controls are applied in accordance with the risk profiles 
(mainly fiscal, but also phytosa nitary and animal health) determined at this point.  
3.11.   Uruguay ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement on 30  August  2016.11 Before ratifying 
the Agreement, as part of the DNA Modernization Programme begun in 2007, Uruguay had already 
taken a series of me asures to facilitate trade.12 These include: electronic payment of duties and 
taxes13; use of the digital DUA; introduction of the Foreign Trade Single Window (VUCE); automated 
control of port access to the Port of Montevideo; the sea and air electronic mani fest, and the 
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme.  
3.12.   The VUCE, which began to be implemented as a project in 2012, has been operational since 
2013 and has made it possible to concentrate, at a single point, by means of a computer platform, 
the infor mation and documentation needed to process the importation, exportation and transit of 
goods.14 By end -2017, 111  authorizations and certificates issued by 19 government agencies 
connected to the platform had been processed via the VUCE.15 Despite the implementation of the 
VUCE, the formalities calling for the intervention of a customs clearing agent will continue to be 
required.  
3.13.   Since 2014, the DNA  has been  implementing a programme for the certification of AEOs. 
Natural and legal persons a uthorized as AEOs can benefit from simplified customs control procedures 
and other facilities.16 The DNA is the only government authority competent to deal with customs 
matters and as such the certifying authority. Any natural or legal person that is enroll ed in the DGI's 
Single Tax Register and forms part of the international supply chain may participate in the AEO 
Programme. Participation is voluntary and there is no charge for obtaining or holding an AEO 
certificate. The benefits associated with an AEO ce rtificate may not be transferred or assigned. The 
certificate is valid for three years, during which the DNA verifies compliance with the requirements 
imposed.17 Six months before the certificate expires, the holder must submit a request for its 
renewal, wh ich will be assessed by the DNA . An AEO certificate may be suspended and/or revoked 
if some requirement is not met, the benefits are improperly used, audits are obstructed, or if there 
is an incident relating to security. According to information provided by the authorities, as at 
March  2018 Uruguay had a total of 50 certified AEOs, including exporters, importers, freight brokers, 
customs clearing agents, warehouse operators, free zone users, freight terminals, port operators, 
free zones and carriers.  
3.14.   Under  the provisions of the CAROU, any person who, directly or indirectly, engages in 
fraudulent acts in order to distort, falsify or conceal the customs value, origin or classification of 
goods forming the subject of customs operations, with the intention of o btaining, for himself or for 
a third party, an improper benefit at the expense of the rights of the State to raise tax revenue, 
shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of between two and 30 years. In the case of AEOs, the 
CAROU permits the self -review of the acts themselves. AEOs may acknowledge to the DNA that they 
have engaged in an act that could give rise to a customs offence. In such cases the fine is less than 
                                                
11 WTO document WT/PCTF/N/URY/1 of 31  July 2017.  
12 DNA Modernization Programme. Online information viewed at: 
http://www.aduanas.gub.uy/innovaportal/v/4096/2/innova.front/programa -modernizacion -de-la-direccion -
nacional -de-aduan as.html . 
13 One of the general objectives and guidelines of the DNA Modernization Programme has been the 
promotion of the use of technology in customs clearance procedures by introducing electronic means of 
payment. O/D No.  3/2012 of 11  January  2012.  
14 Acta de Constitución de Proyecto  of 21 January  2012. Online information viewed at: 
http://vuce.gub.uy/wp -content/uploads/2013/04/Acta -Constitución -VUCE -Fase-II.pdf . 
15 Information provided by the authorities.  
16 Article 148 of Law No.  19.149 of 16  October  2013 and Decree No.  51/2014 of 28  February  2014 
regulating the Authorized Economic Operator programme.  
17 The requirements for obtaining AEO certification are specifi ed in Decree No.  210/2015 of 
3 August  2015.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 46 - 
  that which would have been payable if the DNA itself had detected the offence. Decisions  taken by 
the Customs may be appealed to the Administrative Court.  
3.15.   Under Uruguayan legislation, the customs value of imported goods is determined in 
accordance with the provisions of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement18, together with the 
MERCOSUR provisions (Common Market Council Decision No.  13/07, Implementing Regulation for 
the Customs Valuation of Goods).19 However, if the goods in question are subject to a suspensive 
regime, the customs value will be determined by adopting the rules and procedu res laid down in the 
regulations governing that regime.20 However, these rules and procedures have not been adopted.  
3.16.   The customs value of imported goods constitutes the tax base for the application of 
ad valorem import duties. This value is declared in the DUA and checked by the DNA.  
3.17.   The checking of the declared value of the imported goods is selective and/or random. The 
selection process for checking the declared value may be carried out during customs clearance or at 
a later point. If in determining the cu stoms value of the imports it proves necessary to postpone the 
final determination of value, the importer of the goods may nevertheless remove them from customs 
if, when so requested, he provides adequate security, in the form of a bond or deposit or in so me 
other appropriate form, sufficient to cover the payment of the taxes and/or customs duties levied 
on goods imported for release for consumption. The security will be discharged once the value, 
classification or origin has been determined or if the custo ms authority fails to rule within a maximum 
period of up to 90 days after its being lodged.21 Moreover, the Customs is entitled to demand 
satisfaction of any tax claims that arise as a consequence of the post facto  verification of the customs 
value.  
3.18.   Any dec ision concerning the customs value may be reviewed by the Customs, which has 
five years within which to take fiscal action in relation to customs declarations. The documentary 
evidence and information supporting the customs value declared by the importer, including the 
commercial correspondence relating to the transaction, must remain available to the customs 
authority for five years. Every importer has the right to appeal decisions taken by the Customs as a 
consequence of the value verification process, wi thout incurring any penalty.  
3.19.   Under the CAROU, any customs declaration that distorts the customs value of goods to the 
detriment of tax revenue is deemed to be a customs offence of valuation fraud, punishable by a fine 
equal to twice the amount of the dutie s and taxes due, without prejudice to the payment of the 
duties and taxes themselves.  
3.1.2   Rules of origin  
3.20.   Uruguay uses non -preferential rules of origin only if the goods are subject to anti -dumping 
measures.22 
3.21.   In general, the preferential rules of origin in the  treaties that have entered into force since 
2012 (MERCOSUR – Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and MERCOSUR - Egypt) follow the 
same lines as the treaties previously signed by Uruguay. The origin -conferring criteria may be 
general or specific.23 Under these treaties bilateral cumulation and, in some cases, extended 
cumulation are permitted (Table 3.3).  
                                                
18 Incorporated into Uruguayan legislation by Law No.  16.671 of 13  December  1994.  
19 WTO document G/VAL/N/1/URY/2 of 5  November  2012.  
20 Article 26 of CMC Decision No.  13/07 (Implementing Regulation for the Customs Valuation of Goods).  
21 Decree No.  67/001 of 28  February  2001.  
22 Decree No.  51/010 of 5  February  2010.  
23 WTO document G/RO/N/108 of 19  September  2013.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 47 - 
  Table 3.3 Preferential origin criteria  
(% of f.o.b. value unless otherwise indicated)  
Agreement  General cr iterion  
Specific origin 
criterion  Cumulation of 
origin  Third -country inputs in 
the production process  Maximum value of 
third -country 
inputs in 
assembly/mounting 
processes  
(%) Maximum 
value of 
third -country 
inputs in 
sets or 
assortments 
of goods  
(%) Change in 
tariff 
classification  Maximum 
value  
(%) 
LAIA X 50-60a 50-60a  X  
Regional partial scope economic complementarity agreement (AAP.EC)  
MERCOSUR (AAP.EC No.  18) X 50-60b 50-60b  X X 
MERCOSUR -Chile (AAP.EC No.  35) X 40 40  X X 
MERCOSUR -Plurinational State of 
Bolivia (AAP.EC No.  36) X 40 40  X X 
MERCOSUR -Mexico (AAP.EC 
No. 55) X 40-50c  7 X X 
MERCOSUR -Peru (AAP.EC No.  58) X 40d 40d 5 X X 
MERCOSUR -Andean Community 
(AAP.EC No.  59) X 45-50e 40 6 X Xf 
MERCOSUR -Cuba (AAP.EC No.  62) X 50-60g 50 10  X 
Bilateral AAP.EC  
Mexico (AAP.EC No.  60)h     X X 
Preferential trade agreement  
MERCOSUR -India   40  15  X 
MERCOSUR -Southern African 
Customs Union (SACU)    15 X X 
Free trade agreement  
MERCOSUR -Egypt (% of factory 
price) X 45-55i  15 X X 
MERCOSUR -Israel (% of factory 
price)  X 50-60j  15  X 
a The percentage of 60% applies to relatively less developed countries such as Paraguay.  
b Establishes preferential treatment fixing the percentage for Paraguay at 60% (until  2025) and the 
percentage for Uruguay at 50% (until 2021). Argentina receives treatment equal to that of Uruguay 
for its exports to the country.  
c The criterion varies with the goods and the country. For coachwork, trailers and semi -trailers and 
automotive parts a percentage of 50%  applies (except for products covered by specific rules). For 
other automotive products, the percentage and the formula to be used vary with the country of 
origin.  
d 50% between 2005 -2008; 45% between 2008 -2011 and 40% as from 2012.  
e 40% in the case of Ar gentina and Brazil, 45% for Colombia, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela 
and Uruguay, and 50% for Ecuador and Paraguay. With the exception of Argentina and Brazil, for 
the other countries the agreement set out from higher percentages which were reduced i n 
accordance with schedules which have already expired.  
f For cumulation of origin purposes, materials originating in the Plurinational State of Bolivia and Peru 
are also considered to originate in the exporting signatory party.  
g The 60% percentage applie s to Paraguay.  
h Only specific rules are used.  
i The 60% percentage applies to Paraguay.  
J The 55% percentage applies to Paraguay.  
Source:  Online information from LAIA, Consultas de Régimen de Origen por País , viewed at: 
http://www.aladi.org/nsfaladi/r%C3%A9gorigtext.nsf/vpaisesR/paraguay ; SICE, Información sobre 
Paraguay: Acuerdos comerciales en vigor , viewed at: 
http://www.sice.oas.org/ctyindex/PRY/PRYagreements_s.asp ; and MERCOSUR Secretariat, Tratados, 
Protocolos y Acuerdos , viewed at: 
http://www.mercosur. int/t_generic.jsp?contentid=2639&site=1&channel=secretaria . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 48 - 
  3.1.3   Tariffs  
3.1.3.1   Tariff structure  
3.22.   Uruguay's tariff is based on the MERCOSUR common external tariff (CET), with some 
exceptions. In 2018, the Uruguayan tariff contained 11,922 ten -digit tariff lines of the 2017 HS. 
Uruguay only applies ad valorem tariffs . 
3.23.   Between 2011 and 2018 there was no change in the simple average of MFN duties applied in 
Uruguay, which remains at 9.4% (Table  3.4). Likewise, in 2018 as in 2011, agricultural products 
(WTO definition) are subject to an average tariff of 9.6%, only slightly higher than the average tariff 
for non -agricultural products (9.4%). The products with the highest tariff average are clothing, with 
a 20% tariff, followed by dairy produce (17.9%), sugars and sugar confe ctionery (17.2%), textiles 
(16.1%) and leather, rubber and footwear (15.3%) (Table A3.3).  
Table 3.4 MFN tariff structure, 2011 and 2018  
(%)  
2011  
(HS 2007)  2018  
(HS 2017)  
1. Total number of lines  11,345  11,922  
2. Non-ad valorem  tariffs (% of tariff lines)  0.0 0.0 
3. Tariff quotas (% of tariff lines)  0.0 0.0 
4. Zero-rated tariff lines (% of tariff lines)  14.8 14.4 
5. Average of lines exceeding zero (%)  11.0 11.0 
6. Simple average  9,4 9.4 
7. Agricultural products (WTO definition)  9.6 9.6 
8. Non-agricultural products (including petroleum, WTO definition)  9.3 9.4 
9. National tariff peaks (% of tariff lines)a 0.2 0.3 
10. International tariff peaks (% of tariff lines)b 26,8 26.6 
11. Overall standard deviation of applied rates  7.2 7.1 
12. Bound tariff lines (% of tariff lines)  100.0  100.0  
a Domestic tariff peaks are defined as rates that exceed three times the overall simple average applied 
rate. 
b International tariff peaks are defined as rates that exceed 15%.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by the authorities.  
3.24.   Uruguay's MFN tariff structure comprises 19 rates that range from 0% to 35%. In 2018, the 
most common tariff rates were those below 20%; some 55.3% of lines  were subject to a tariff not 
exceeding 10% and, as in 2011, only 0.9% of total tariff lines had a tariff of more than 20%. In  2018, 
as in 2011, the rates most frequently encountered were those between 0% and 5% (23.0% in 2018 
and 23.3% in 2011) and betwee n 15% and 20% (25.7% in 2018 and 25.8% in 2011) (Chart  3.2). 
The 132 HS ten -digit tariff lines subject to an MFN tariff of more than 20% are: sunflower and 
cardamom oil; soya oil, margarine, and other fixed vegetable fats and oils; milk and cream; 
mozzarel la; cane or beet sugar; fruit and nuts; rubber -soled footwear; and motor vehicles for the 
transport of passengers and goods. Most of these products are on Uruguay's national list of 
exceptions to the CET or are products for which the CET has been temporari ly modified (see  below ). WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 49 - 
  Chart 3.2 Frequency distribution of tariff rates, 2018  
 
a The total number of lines is 11,922.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations based on data provided by the authorities.  
3.25.   The MERCOSUR States may maintain a national list of exceptions (LNE) to the CET, which 
contains a certain number of products temporarily exempted from the general CET regime. In 
separate decisions, the Common Market Council (CMC) has approved the number of pro ducts and 
the maximum time for maintaining these exceptions.24 Uruguay's current national list of exceptions 
to the CET contains 256 tariff lines; these exceptions may be maintained until 31  December  2022.25 
The criterion used by Uruguay in drawing up this l ist is that the products must be inputs for a 
domestic industry whose end product is intended for the domestic market; accordingly, the tariff 
levels applied to the products on the list are mostly lower than those of the CET.  
3.26.   There is also a special regime  for capital goods from outside the zone (BK) and computer and 
telecommunication goods (BIT), under which the States Parties may apply tariff rates other than 
those of the CET.26 CMC Decision No.  25/15 allows Uruguay to apply a 0% tariff up until 
31 Decembe r 2021 and a 2% tariff up until 31  December  2023 to goods on the BK list. In 2018, the 
BK list contained 1,297 tariff headings at the eight -digit level, of which Uruguay was using 974. CMC 
Decision No.  25/15 also permits the application of 2% and 0% tariff s to goods identified as BIT up 
until 31  December  2022. In 2018, this list contained 260  tariff lines.27 
3.27.   The sugar and automotive sectors have not yet been incorporated into the MERCOSUR 
Customs Union, so that in each State Party they remain subject to a sp ecific tariff regime until a 
corresponding community policy is adopted. Uruguay applies rates which, on average, are higher 
than the CET for two products related with the sugar sector, while for automotive sector products 
the average protection is less tha n that which would be offered by the CET (Table 3.5).  
3.28.   The States Parties are authorized temporarily to raise the rates of the import tax above the 
CET for imports originating from outside the zone up to the maximum bound under the WTO, for a 
maximum of 100  tariff headings of the MERCOSUR Common Nomenclature (NCM) 
(NCM  eight-digit codes), for a limited period.28 During the review period, the products affected by 
                                                
24 MERCOSUR/CMC/DEC Nos.  68/00, 31/03, 38/05, 59/07, 28/09 and 58/10.  
25 MERCOSUR/CMC/DEC No.  26/15 of 16  July 2015.  
26 MERCOSUR/CMC/DEC Nos.  33/03, 34/03, 39/05, 40/05, 13/06, 27/06, 61/07, 58/08 , 59/08  and 
57/10.  
27 MERCOSUR/CMC/DEC No.  25/15 of 16  July 2015.  
28 CMC Decision No.  27/15 of 16  July 2015.  
(14.4%)(22.9%)
(17.8%)(18.2%)(25.7%)
(0.6%)(0.3%)
0102030405060708090100
02004006008001,0001,2001,4001,6001,8002,0002,2002,4002,6002,8003,000
0 >0 - 5 >5 - 10 >10 - 15 >15 - 20 >20- 25 >25Number of linesa%
Cumulative
Number of lines (% of total)WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 50 - 
  this measure were peaches in syrup (HS 200870) and dairy produce (HS  0402, 0404 and 0406).29 
In bot h cases, Uruguay increased its tariffs up to the maximum permitted by the Council, namely, 
35% for peaches in syrup and 28% for dairy produce.  
3.29.   The exceptions to the CET maintained by Uruguay in 2017 represented 22.3% of tariff lines. 
Most of these 2,651 ta riff lines (97.43% of the total) have tariffs lower than the CET that range from 
0% to 25%. The average tariff for the lines that form exceptions to the CET is much lower (8.5%) 
than the CET average (19.5%) for the same goods (Table 3.5). Thus, the average  tariff applied by 
Uruguay (9.4%) is lower than the MERCOSUR CET (11.9%).  
Table 3.5 Exceptions to the CET applied by Uruguay  
 Tariff 
headings  Tariff 
headings 
(%) Tariff 
range  
(%) National 
average  CET 
average  
List of exceptions  Total 2,648 22.2 0 - 35 8.5 19,5  
 < CET  2,580 21.6 0 - 25 8.1 19,6  
 > CET  68 0.6 20 - 35 24.5 17,0 
Sectoral list: 
telecommunications  BIT 260 2.2 0 - 2 1.9 12,0 
Sectoral list: capital 
goods  BK 974 8.2 0 - 10 0.5 13,9 
National list of 
exceptions  LEN 256 2.1 0 - 25 1.2 13,0 
Other exceptions   
1,081 9.1 12 - 35 18.4 27,8 
 Footwear   
28 0.2 25 25.0 35,0 
 Peaches – 
 sweetened water   
3 0.0 35 35.0 14,0 
 Dairy produce   
12 0.1 20 - 28 27.3 15,5 
 Textiles   
1,038 8.7 12 - 20 18.1 27,8 
Non-harmonized 
sectors  Automotive from 
outside the zone  72 0.6 0 - 23 15.7 20,1 
 
Sugar from 
outside the zone  5 0.0 5 - 35 17.0 16,0 
 
Automotive from 
inside the zone  214 1.8 2 - 23 6.9 15,6 
 
Sugar from 
inside the zone  2 0.0 35 35.0 16,0 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by the authorities  in January 2018 . 
3.1.3.2   Tariff bindings  
3.30.   In the Uruguay Round, Uruguay bound all its tariff at rates ranging from 6% to 55%. 
A majority of tariff lines (6,569) were bound at the rate of 35%; the other  most frequent rate is 
20% (1,632). Some products were bound at rates lower than 10%, such as, for example, bulbs, 
tubers and tuberous roots (HS  06.0110.0000 and HS  06.0120.0000); potatoes (HS 07.0110.0000) 
and seeds of herbaceous  plants (HS  12.0930.0000).  
3.1.3.3   Tariff quotas  
3.31.   Uruguay does not maintain tariff quotas under the WTO. Within the context of its trade  
agreements, preferential quotas are used for the automotive sector in the case of Brazil (ACE No. 
2), for products from the country's special customs area s in the case of Argentina (ACE No. 18), for 
imports of carded alpaca wool in the case of Peru (ACE No. 58), and for powdered milk in the case 
of Mexico (ACE No. 60).30 
3.1.3.4   Preferential tariffs  
3.32.   Uruguay grants preferential treatment to imports originating in cou ntries with which it 
maintains preferential agreements. Uruguay grants preferences to the MERCOSUR member 
countries, and as a member of MERCOSUR to the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Chile, Cuba, Egypt, 
                                                
29 CMC Decisions No.  28/15 of 16  July 2015, No.  29/15 of 16  July 2015 and No.  30/15 of 16  July 2015.  
30 Information provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 51 - 
  India, Israel, Peru and the countries that make up t he SACU. It also grants preferences under the 
bilateral agreements signed with Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and the Bolivarian 
Republic of Venezuela. The tariff applied varies substantially according to the agreement. In the case 
of the agr eements with the Plurinational State of Bolivia and Chile the preferences cover 100% of 
the tariff universe, whereas in the case of India they cover less than 15% of the tariff universe 
(Table  3.6). In all cases, except in the agreements with Colombia, Isr ael, Peru and the Bolivarian 
Republic of Venezuela, the number of agricultural products that enjoy preferences is less than the 
number of non -agricultural products.  
Table 3.6 Analysis of the tariffs applied wi th countries with which trade agreements 
have been negotiated, 2018  
 
Total  WTO categories  
Agricultural products   
Non-agricultural products 
(petroleum excluded)  
Average  
(%) Duty -free 
lines  
(%)a Average  
(%) Duty -free 
lines  
(%) Average  
(%) Duty -free 
lines  
(%) 
MFN 9.4 14.4 9.6 8.7 9.4 15.2 
MERCOSUR        
Bolivia, 
Plurinational 
State of  0.0 100.0 0.0 100.0 0.0 100.0 
Chile 0.0 100.0 0.0 100.0 0.0 100.0 
Colombia  0.3 96.0 0.6 96.6 0.2 96.0 
Cuba 6.9 35.2 7.6 24.4 6.8 36.8 
Ecuador  1.7 84.8 2.7 75.6 1.5 86.1 
Egypt  7.8 33.2 8.0 19.5 7.8 35.1 
India 9.4 14.4 9.6 8.7 9.3 15.2 
Israel  1.0 70.5 0.3 79.6 1.1 69.2 
Peru 1.6 90.5 0.7 91.9 1.7 90.3 
SACU  9.1 20.0 9.0 13.9 9.2 20.9 
MERCOSUR 
(inside the zone)  0.7 94.5 0.0 99.9 0.8 93.8 
Bilateral 
agreements        
Mexico  0.7 88.0 3.0 44.4 0.3 94.4 
Venezuela  0.2 95.1 0.0 100.0 0.3 94.4 
Partial 
agreements        
Argentinab 0.0 99.7 0.0 99.9 0.0 99.7 
Brazilb 0.0 99.8 0.0 99.9 0.0 99.8 
a The duty -free lines include: those negotiated in the agreement and those contained in the MFN 
tariff.  
b These estimates take into account the preferences granted to the automotive sector and other 
products used in vehicles and automotive parts by the partial agreements, while for the rest of the 
products the preferences granted  within the framework of MERCOSUR were used.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by the authorities.  
3.33.   The average tariff applied for the trading partners with which Uruguay has negotiated 
agreements, as indeed the coverage of the prefer ences in the various agreements, varies 
substantially. The average tariff applied to these trading partners is relatively low and includes the 
0% for trade agreements with greater coverage, while in the case of India and the SACU, agreements 
with lesser co verage, the average tariff applied is equal or very close to the average MFN tariff. In 
the cases of Israel and the SACU the average tariff applied to agricultural products, including 
preferences, is lower than that applied to non -agricultural products, an d, in the case of India, the 
preferential tariff for agricultural products is equal to the MFN and for non -agricultural products is 
very close to the MFN tariff.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 52 - 
  3.34.   Uruguay continues to apply a mechanism that makes it possible to modify the tariff 
preferences  granted to the Argentine Republic (Loss of Tariff Preference Mechanism) in certain 
special situations that result in price distortions due to the use of regional and sectoral support 
policies, for example, when the goods are produced in industrial promoti on zones31, or products 
whose exports, or those of their main inputs, are subject to an export duty greater than or equal to 
10%.32 The mechanism makes it possible to apply a tariff equal to or less than the MFN tariff. This 
modification may be ex officio  or at the  request of domestic producers.  
3.1.3.5   Tariff concessions  
3.35.   Uruguay continues to implement special procedures or regimes that make it possible to grant 
exemption from or reduce tariffs. The main procedures or regimes operating in Uruguay include 
temporary ad mission (see above), stock replacement, industrial estates that enable machinery and 
equipment to be imported tax free, and free zones which, among other things, permit in puts to be 
imported duty free (S ection  3.2). Moreover, among other benefits, the inve stment promotion regime 
also makes it possible to import fixed -asset goods for use in activities declared to be of national 
interest free of import duties and taxes.33 
3.36.   Among other things, such as a subsidy for their services, private educational and cultural 
institutions may also be allowed to import goods free of import duties.34 Moreover, direct importation 
for personal use of special motor vehicles, new or used, and systems for adapting them to be driven 
by disabled persons is exempt from all domestic taxes, including duties, tariffs and other levies on 
the importation, sale and /or movement of vehicles.35 
3.37.   Uruguay continues to exempt imports of, among other things, inputs, parts and components, 
in order to support specific sectors, as for example in the case of the regime for the automotive 
industry, which  has been notified to the WTO (S ection  3.3.1 ).36 
3.38.   Furthermore, in accordance with Decree No.  487/983 of 9  December  1983, imports of parts, 
components, spares and accessories of capital goods, including agricultural machinery not produced 
in the country, are subject to a 10% tariff; i n practice, this concession has been eroded by the 
reduction in the tariffs applied to capital goods and inputs. Under the agricultural inputs import 
regime, some agricultural inputs may be imported with a zero tariff.37 In 2015, the Common Market 
Council a llowed Uruguay to import agricultural inputs notified to the MERCOSUR Trade Commission 
(CCM) before 31  December  2016 at a tariff rate of 0% up until 2023.38 In addition, consumer and 
capital goods imported for use in industrial activities included in the Pr ogramme for the Development 
of the Agricultural Cooperatives of the Vértice Noroeste are exempt from VAT.39 
3.39.   Since 2016, to promote the use of alternative energies, imports of inputs for manufacturing 
solar panels for generating photovoltaic energy have been  exempt from all taxes and customs 
surcharges and, in general, from any levy applied in connection with importation, including VAT, 
provided that they are not produced domestically. To obtain this benefit, manufacturers must 
possess a certificate of need i ssued by the National Directorate of Industry in the 
Ministry  of Industry, Energy and Mining. Moreover, solar panel manufacturers are entitled to a credit 
                                                
31 The preference may be eliminated if: the goods are produced in the industrial promotion zones of the 
Argentine p rovinces of La Rioja, Catamarca, San Luis and San Juan; the  products originating in Argentina 
account for at least 30% of Uruguayan imports of the product in question; and the imports originating in 
Argentina are equivalent to 20% of the estimated value of  domestic production of a like product, in the course 
of the previous 12 months (Decree No.  473/2006 of 27  December  2006, Decree No.  643/2006 of 
27 November  2006 and amendments thereto, and Decree No.  367/2011 of 14  October  2011, supplementing 
Decree No.  473/2006).  
32 Decree No.  184/017 of 14  July 2017.  
33 The complete list of activities promoted under Law No.  16.906 and/or activities declared to be of 
national interest may be viewed online at: https://www.impo.com.uy/bases/decretos -ley/14178 -
1974?verreferencias=norma . 
34 Article 69 of the Constitution of the Republic, Article 448 of Law No.  16.226 of 29  October  1991 and 
Decree No.  161/014 of 4  June 2014.  
35 Law No. 13.102  of 5 December 1962 and Decree No.  51/017 of 20  February  2017.  
36 WTO document s G/SCM/N/253/URY -G/SCM/N/260/URY of 26  July 2013.  
37 Decree No.  194/979 of 30  March  1979 and amendments thereto.  
38 MERCOSUR/CMC/DEC No.  24/15.  
39 Decrees Nos.  144/015 of 26  May 2015, 179/016 of 20  June 2016, 378/016 of 5  December  2016, 
62/017 of 10  March  2017, and 37/017 of 13  February  2017.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 53 - 
  for the VAT paid on the inputs (goods and services) used in the manufacturing process, provided 
that they have been declared not to compete with the domestic industry.40 
3.40.   Uruguay continues to grant exemption from all levies, including VAT, on imports of, among 
other things, materials, raw materials and capital goods necessary for the construction of shipyar ds 
and the repair of ships, as well as for the assembly of vessels more than six  metres in length whose 
aggregate domestic value is not less than 50% of the c.i.f. value of the kits.41 With a view to 
promoting civil aviation, aircraft and the materials for operating them, including fuel, together with 
those necessary for building or maintaining airports, have been exempt since 2017 from all taxes 
and other levies at importation, as well as from all kinds of national or municipal internal taxes to 
which they might be liable.42 
3.1.4   Other charges affecting imports  
3.41.   The charges that Uruguay applies exclusively to imports are: the consular fee, the fees of 
customs clearing agents, port charges and the single tax on imports of newsprint. Under the WTO 
Uruguay has bound t he service commissions on import operations at a rate of 3% on the 
c.i.f. value.43 
3.42.   The fees charged by customs clearing agents vary with the customs operation and the service 
performed; according to the authorities, these fees are agreed with the clients. I n 2012, minimum 
ad valorem  scales were established for clearing agent s' fees, by operation (Table 3.7 ). The customs 
value of the imported goods is taken as the basis for calculating the fees.  
Table 3.7 Fees of  Uruguayan customs clearing agents (imports), 2017  
Value of the goods/other  Rate ( ad valorem )/specific  
Introduction of the goods (importation, temporary admission, etc.)  
Up to US$25,000  1.5%  
US$25,001 - US$50,000  1.25%  
US$50,001 - US$100,000  1% 
US$100,001 - US$250,000  0.75%  
US$250,001 - US$500,000  0.50%  
US$500,001 or more  0.20%  
Minimum fee  US$100  
Clearance of samples with a maximum value of US$50  US$35  
National transit, free shop  operations and other sub -regimes  
Up to US$100,000  0.50%  
US$100,001 - US$200,000  0.40%  
US$200,001 or more  0.30%  
Minimum fee per DUA for national transit  US$150  
Minimum fee per DUA for free shop operations  US$50  
Minimum fee per DUA for international transit  US$200  
Other professional services (transfer of documents, certifications and other similar services)  
Minimum fee per operation or document: US$50/hour  
Professional advice, legal or operational reports, statistical analysis, cost studies: US$50/hour  
Source:  Tariffs in force in 2012: Uruguayan Association of Customs Clearing Agents. Online information 
viewed at: http://www.grupocer.com.uy/site/?page_id=133 . 
3.43.   The newsprint imported by newspaper enterpr ises of the Department of Montevideo and other 
similar importers is subject to the payment of a single tax of 16o/oo (sixteen per  thousand) on the 
c.i.f. value.44 Enterprises in the interior of the country are exempt from this tax.45 The proceeds of 
the sing le tax are earmarked exclusively for financing the Complementary Fund for the Newspaper 
Industry of Montevideo.  
                                                
40 Law No.  19.406 of 24  June 2016 and Decree No.  454/016 of 30  December  2016.  
41 Decree -Law No.  15.657  of 25 October  1984.  
42 Decree No.  196/017 of 24  July 2017.  
43 WTO document W/LI/100 of 12  May 2006.  
44 Law No.  13.641 of 27  December  1967 and Law No.  15.189 of 29  September  1981.  
45 National Customs Directorate, Regulation No.  47/2015, and online information viewed at: 
https://servicios.aduanas.gub.uy/w ikiprocprod/hwiki.aspx?Metodolog%C3  per centADa+de+Procesos+ -
+Procedimiento+de+control+para+la+importaci%C3%B3n+de+papel+de+diario+exceptuada+del+pago+de+
la+tasa+establecido+en+la+Ley+13.641 . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 54 - 
  3.44.   Between 2010 and 2017, Uruguay collected a consular fee of 2% on the customs value of 
imported goods.46 In 2018, this fee increased to 5%; it is applied to all imports except for: imports 
carried out under ACE No.  18 (MERCOSUR), on which a 3% charge is levied; imports under the 
temporary admission procedure; and imports of crude petroleum and capital goods for exclusive use 
in the industrial, agric ultural and fishing sectors whose extra -zone tariff rate is 2%  or 0%. Law 
No. 19.535 of 25  September  2017 authorizes the Government to reduce the fee progressively by an 
annual 0.5% as from 2020, until it reaches 2% for imports from outside the zone and a rate of 0% 
for those coming from MERCOSUR (within the framework of ACE No. 18).47 
3.45.   Imports, together with goods produced in Uruguay, are also subject to value added tax (VAT), 
and some goods are also subject to the specific internal tax (IMESI) and the tax on the sale of 
agricultural goods (IMEBA) (Table 3.8 ). 
Table 3.8 Charges affecting imports, 2012 and 2018  
Product  Rate ( %) 
2012a 2018  
VAT   
Edible oils; rice; sugar; coffee; meat and offal; fresh, frozen or chilled; edible fats; 
cereal flour and by -products; bread; pasta and noodles; fish; salt; tea and yerba maté  10 10 
Fruit, flowers and vegetables sold to the end consumer  10 10 
Medicines  10 10 
Diesel  10 10 
Hotel services provided for "lodging"  10 10 
Local tourism "packages" (content determined by the Government)  10 10 
Health services by independent providers  10 10 
Electricity supply  10 10 
Land passenger transport  10 10 
Real estate (first sale)  10 10 
Insurance policies for death, old age, disability and injury  22 22 
IMEBA    
Wool and hides of sheep and bovine cattle  2.50 2.50 
Sheep and bovine cattle  2.00 2.00 
Swine  1.50 1.50 
Cereals and oilseeds  0.10 0.10 
Milk  1.10 1.10b 
Poultry farming products  1.50 1.50 
Beekeeping products  0.30 0.30 
Rabbit breeding products  1.50 1.50 
Flowers and seeds  1.50 1.50 
Market gardening and fruit -growing products  0.10 0,10 
Citrus products  0.80 0.80 
Frog breeding, snail breeding, otter breeding and similar products  1.50 1,50 
Forest products  0.00 0,00 
Sugar cane  0.10 0.10 
Psychoactive cannabis  N/A 0.00 
Other agricultural products  1.50 1.50 
N/A Not applicable.  
a Information provided by the authorities.  
b 0.1% for milk produced by small -scale producers not subject to the tax on income from  economic 
activities (IRAE) and with an average daily output of less than 500  litres.  
Source:  Decree No.  14/015 of 13  January  2015, Decree No.  778/008 of 22  December  2008 (Articles 5 and 
7), Decree No.  46/015 of 4  February  2015 (Articles 1, 48 and 49), Tit le 10 of the Harmonized Text 
of 1996 of the Directorate -General of Taxation, and information provided by the authorities.  
3.46.   VAT on imports is calculated on the basis of the customs value plus the tariff. There are two 
rates of VAT: the basic rate of 22%, whi ch is that generally applied, and the minimum rate of 10% 
applied to essential goods and some services.48 Imported crude petroleum and public transport 
vehicles to be used for providing regular services are exempt from VAT. During the period 2012 -2017 
                                                
46 Law No.  17.296 of 21  February  2001 and Decree No.  410/010 of 3 0 December  2010.  
47 Article 265 of Law No.  19.535 of 25  September  2017 (Law approving the Accounting Report and 
Budget Execution Balance Sheet – Financial Year 2016).  
48 Title 10 of the DGI Harmonized Text of 1996.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 55 - 
  certain goods and services such as meat and water supply services were also exempted (Table 3.9 ). 
The exemption applies to all goods, whether imported or domestically  produced.  
Table 3.9 Goods and services exempt f rom VAT (2012 -2017)  
Goods and services  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  
Sheep meat and offal  Exempta Exemptb Exemptc Exemptd Not exempt  Not exempt  
Fish Not exempt  
Poultry meat  Exempta Exemptb  Exemptc Exemptd  Not exempt  Not exempt  
Pig meat  Exempta  Exemptb  Exemptc Exemptd  Not exempt  Not exempt  
Wool Exempt  
Water supply for 
agricultural irrigation  Exempt if certain conditions are mete 
Water supply for 
educational centres  Not exempt  Not exempt  Not exempt  Not exempt  Not exempt  Not exempt  
Electricity for 
residential use  Not exempt  Not exempt  Exemptf 
a Decrees Nos.  483/011, 114/012, 231/012, and 327/012.  
b Decrees Nos.  21/013 and 126/013.  
c Decrees Nos.  126/013 and 98/014.  
d Decrees Nos.  98/014 and 114/015 (up until 30  June 2015).  
e Article 39 bis of Decree No.  220/998.  
f Decree No. 70/014 ( as of 1 March 2014).  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.47.   Importers that pay the tax on income from economic activities (IRAE) are also liable to the 
IMEBA when certain products are imp orted.49 They must pay an advance on the IMEBA when they 
import. The amount of this advance is determined by applying the rate of the tax and its additions 
in force at the time of importation to the sum of the customs value and the tariff.50 If, when the tax  
is paid, there turns out to be a surplus as a result of the advance payment, it can be used to meet 
the taxpayer's other tax obligations or a refund in the form of credit certificates may be requested. 
The tax base for calculating the IMEBA is the selling  price of the taxed goods. The IMEBA rates in 
force range from 0% to 2.5% depending on the nature of the goods. These rates are the same as 
in 2012.51 
3.48.   The IMESI is levied on the first sale of certain specific products, including alcoholic beverages, 
some fu els, cosmetics and other beverages, whether domestica lly produced or imported 
(Table  3.10).52 The tax is not levied on products which on entering Uruguayan territory are placed 
in customs warehouses or compounds.53 Fuel alcohols used for producing gasoline a re exempt from 
the IMESI.54 The IMESI may be specific or ad valorem  and in some cases is calculated from the 
invoiced price, on the basis  of a notional price (Table 3.10 ). During the review period, both the 
notional prices and the IMESI rate varied on sever al occasions.55 
                                                
49 Importers that are exempt from payment of  the IRAE must make a sworn declaration before 
importing the goods.  
50 The rates of the tax additional to the IMEBA are 0.2% and 0.4%, depending on the nature of the 
goods and their intended use, and on whether it is a question of purchases on the market or  of exports 
(Article  7 of Decree No.  14/015 of 13  January  2015). This revenue is used to finance the Honorary Commission 
for the Eradication of Insalubrious Rural Housing (MEVIR) and the National Agricultural Research Institute 
(INIA) (Articles 8 and 9 of Title 9 of the Harmonized Text of 1996).  
51 Decree No.  14/015 of 13  January  2015.  
52 Decree No.  96/990, as supplemented and updated by a further 32 decrees (to January  2017) and 
Title 11, Harmonized Text of 1996.  
53 Article 9 of Decree No.  96/990 of 21  Februa ry 1990, CAROU, Decree No.  455/994 of 6  October  1994 
and Decree No.  412/992 of 1  September  1992.  
54 Decree No.  52/009 of 14  January  2009.  
55 Decree No.  96/990, as supplemented and updated by a further 32 decrees (to January  2017).  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 56 - 
  Table 3.10 Products subject to the IMESI, 2012 and  2018  
Products  2012  2018  
Basis  Rate 
(ad valorem  or 
specific)  Basis  Rate 
(ad valorem  
or specific)  
 
Alcoholic, aerated and other 
beverages  Notional price 
(Decree 
No. 44/012)  Rate 
(Article 3 . Decree 
No. 520/007)  Notional price  Rate 
(Decree 
No. 520/007)  
Champagne  Ur$134.10  30% Ur$208.10  30% 
Vermouth  Ur$67 .10  30% Ur$104 .10  30% 
Whisky  Ur$105 .60  80% Ur$156 .10  48% 
Grappas, rums and bitters  Ur$69 .40  80% Ur$100 .00  48% 
Beer Ur$40 .20  22% Ur$62 .30  22% 
Mineral and soda waters  Ur$10 .00  10.5%  Ur$15 .50  8% 
Freshly obtained fruit juice, juice 
reconstituted from concentrates, and 
nectars with a minimum fruit juice 
content of 50%  Ur$15 .70  11.0%  Ur$24 .40  18% 
Other fruit -juice based beverages  Ur$17 .30  18% Ur$26 .80  18% 
Amargo  Ur$47 .80  20% Ur$74 .20  20% 
Cosmetics and perfumery      
Potable alcohols, including wine alcohols  Selling price  7.5% Selling price  7.5% 
Potable alcohols for medical use; 
alcohols used for manufacturing 
proprietary drugs; denatured alcohols for 
use in manufacturing perfumes and 
toiletry articles and eucalyptized alcohols  Selling price  7.0% Selling price  7.0% 
Cosmetics, perfumery in general, 
artificial or natural articles applied to 
parts of the human body exclusively for 
its embellishment; shavers and toiletry 
articles for use in cosmetology  Selling price  11.5% Selling price  11.5% 
Diesel engines   60.0% US$2 .000 + 
base that 
varies with 
the selling 
price  60.0% 
Greases and lubricants  Notional price   Notional price   
Lubricants (for aviation)  Ur$61.70/litre 39.0% Ur$95.60/litre  39.0% 
Greases (for aviation)  Ur$80.50/kg  39.0% Ur$124.90/kg  39.0% 
Lubricants  Ur$61.70/litre  2.5% Ur$95.60/litre  2.5% 
Greases  Ur$80.50/kg  2.5% Ur$124.90/kg  2.5% 
Fuel     
Petrol premium 97  N/A Ur$15.21/litre N/A Ur$23.14/litre  
Petrol super 95 30 -S  N/A Ur$14.36/litre  N/A Ur$21.84/litre  
Kerosene  N/A Ur$4.18/litre  N/A Ur$6.06/litre  
AvGas  N/A Ur$17.16/litre  N/A Ur$24.91/litre 
Jet A 1  N/A Ur$0.63/litre  N/A Ur$0.00/litre  
AvGas for use in domestic or transit air 
traffic  N/A Ur$1.59/litre  N/A Ur$2.31/litre 
Fuel alcohola N/A Ur$55.00/litre  N/A Ur$21.86/litre  
Diesel oil  N/A Ur$4.96/litre  N/A N/A 
Tobacco and cigarettes  Notional price  Notional price   
Tobacco  Ur$24 .29 70% Ur$38 .21  70% 
Cigarettes  Ur$54 .29 70% Ur$85 .79  70% 
N/A Not applicable.  
a Except if used for making gasoline.  
Source:  Decree No.  368/017 of 28  December  2017, Decree No.  379/017 of 28  December  2017, Decree 
No. 380/017 of 28  December  2017, Decree No.  417/016 of 26  December  2016, Decree No.  418/016 
of 26 December  2016, Decree No.  109/013 of 11  April 2013, Decree No.  96/990 of 
21 February  1990, and information provided by the authorities.  
3.49.   The IMESI also applies to the sale of motorized vehicles (or importation in the ca se of 
non-taxpayers) (Table 3.11 ). Decree No.  246/012 of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance and 
the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining of 2  August  2012 increased the maximum IMESI rates 
applicable to motor vehicles, motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds and any other kind of motorized 
vehicle, as provided for in Article 10 of Law No.  18.860 of 23  December  2011.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 57 - 
  Table 3.11 IMESI applied to motorized  vehicles, 2018  
(%) 
 Vehicles with an 
internal combustion 
engine  Electric 
vehicles  Hybrid 
vehicles  Other 
vehicles  Diesel 
engine  Petrol  
engine  
Trucks, tractor units  0 0 0 0 0 
Freight transport vehicles (between 1,600 
cc and 3,500 cc)  34.7 6 2.3 1.15 6 – 8.6 
Freight transport vehicles (over 3,500 cc)  80.5%  11.5%  N/A N/A 11.5 
Machinery specially designed for use in 
industrial activities (activities included in 
the IRAE); locomotives, self -propelled 
railway or tramway coaches, vans and 
trucks  0 0 0 0 0 
Passenger motor vehicles and their 
derivatives (with cylinder capacities 
between 1,000 cc and 3,000 cc)  115 23 – 
40.25  N/A 3.45 – 34.5 26.45 – 
40.25  
Passenger motor vehicles and their 
derivatives (over 3,000 cc)  115 46 N/A 34.5 46 
Motorcycles, motor scooters and the like  4.6 – 22.5 1.6 – 6.45 N/A 0 1.6 – 16.45 
N/A Not applicable.  
Source:  Decree No.  246/012 of 2  August  2012.  
3.1.5   Import prohibitions, restrictions and licensing  
3.50.   Uruguay imposes non -tariff measures to protect national security, public health, plant and 
animal health, and the environment. These measures include restrictions, prohibitions and import 
licences and are imposed by means of laws, decrees and resolutions.  
3.51.   In 2014 and 2016, Uruguay submitted notifications with r espect to the quantitative 
restrictions it maintains.56 The restrictions notified, all of which relate to import prohibitions, were 
grouped in 20 categories, corresponding to: asbestos; wine; electronic devices for smoking; vaccines 
(rabbit haemorrhagic dis ease); medicines containing triazolam; aerosol containers, foams, 
refrigerated cabinets, solvents and sterilizers and air -conditioning units containing prohibited 
ozone -depleting substances; leaded gasoline; insecticides; phytosanitary products; potassium 
bromate; medicines containing furazolidone, nitrofurazone, etc.; growth promoters for bovine 
species, sheep, pigs, horses and poultry containing arsenic or antimony substances; veterinary 
medicines containing substances with oestrogenic hormonal effect; pr otein concentrates and bone 
meal from mammals; chloramphenicol base and its salts; hazardous waste; used vehicles; paints 
and varnishes; and persistent organic pollutants (2). In most cases, the products are defined by 
NCM (four -digit) heading or part head ing. Some products are defined at six -digit or eight -digit tariff 
subheading level. The number of ten -digit lines affected is not specified.  
3.52.   The justifications for the use of these measures include: Article  XX(b) of the GATT; 
International Labour Conventio n No. 162; Article XX(d) of the GATT; the MERCOSUR Grape -Growing 
and Wine Production Regulations; the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer 
(1985); the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987); the Basel 
Convent ion on the Control  of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal  
(1989); and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2003).57 
3.53.   According to the information received from the authorities in connection with this review, t he 
number of Harmonized System (HS) ten -digit lines subject to a prohibition fell from 652 in 2012 
(HS 2012) to 331  in 2017 (HS  2017). The products in question included: food preparations (wines 
from fresh grapes) (nin e ten -digit lines of the HS  2017); pro ducts of the chemical industry (4 4 
ten-digit lines of the HS  2017); plastics and rubber (161 ten -digit lines of the HS  2017); and 
machinery and appliances (11 7 ten -digit lines of the HS  2017). Some of these products are 
prohibited by international conventi ons, such as the Basel Convention, while others relate to 
                                                
56 WTO documents G/MA/QR/N/URY/1 of 15  July 2014 and G/MA/QR/N/URY/2 of 11  November  2016.  
57 WTO documents G/MA/QR/N/URY/1 of 15  July 2014 and G/MA/QR/N/URY/2 of 11  November  2016.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 58 - 
  measures to protect human, animal or plant health. The most notable changes during the period 
were: the reduction in the prohibitions that were affecting live animals and animal products and the 
elimination of those affecting hides and skins (Chart  3.3). 
Chart 3.3 Prohibition of imports, by HS Section, 2012 and 2017  
Number of tariff lines (ten digits)  
Source:  WTO Secretariat, on the basis of information  provided by the authorities.  
3.54.   Uruguay uses both automatic and non -automatic import licences. The automatic licences are 
used for statistical purposes (textiles and footwear and oils), for granting tariff preferences to third 
parties (paper for publishing, vehicles) or for monitoring the price of imports. Non -automatic licences 
are used for granting tariff exemptions to domestic producers (sugar and diesel engines and kits) 
and for human health care (acetic acid).58 The products subject to import licensing ha ve not changed 
since the last review. In 2017, 378 ten -digit tariff lines of the HS  2017 required import licences. The 
majority of the products (371 ten -digit lines of the HS  2017) required automatic licences. In most 
cases (278 ten -digit lines of the HS  2017) the licences apply to imports of any origin, including 
MERCO SUR member countries (Table 3.12 ). 
Table 3.12 Import licences, 2017  HS Chapter  
Description  No. of lines  
(ten-digit)  Origin  
 Minimum/maximum 
processing time 
(working days)  Any origin  Third 
countries  
(extra -MER
COSUR)  
15 Animal or vegetable fats and oils  10 10  
2 days/10 days  
48 Paper and paperboard  13 13  
2 days/10 days  
52 Cotton  10  
10 Immediate/10 days  
54 Man-made filaments  8  
8 Immediate/10 days  
55 Man-made staple fibres  17  
17 Immediate/10 days  
60 Knitted or crocheted fabrics  3  
3 Immediate/10 days  
61 Articles of apparel and clothing 
accessories, knitted or crocheted  18  
18 Immediate/10 days  
62 Articles of apparel and clothing 
accessories, not knitted or 
crocheted  37  
37 Immediate/10 days  
63 Other made -up textile articles  3  
3 Immediate/10 days  
                                                
58 This section is based on WTO documents G/LIC/N/3/URY/6 of 14  September  2012, G/LIC/N/3/URY/7 
of 30 September  2013 and G/LIC/N/3/URY/9 of 30  March  2016.  
050100150200250300
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
HS SectionsProhibitions 2012
Prohibitions 2017
01   Live animals; animal products
02   Vegetable products
03   Fats and oils
04   Prepared foodstuffs, etc.
05   Mineral products
06   Products of the chemical or allied 
industries
07   Plastics and rubber08   Raw hides and skins
09   Wood and articles of wood
10   Pulp of wood, paper, etc.
11   Textiles and textile articles
12   Footwear, headgear, etc.
13   Articles of stone
14   Precious stones, etc.15   Base metals and articles of 
base metals
16   Machinery and appliances
17   Vehicles, etc.
18   Precision instruments
19   Arms and ammunition
20   Miscellaneous manufactured 
articles
21   Works of art, etc.WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 59 - 
  
HS Chapter  
Description  No. of lines  
(ten-digit)  Origin  
 Minimum/maximum 
processing time 
(working days)  Any origin  Third 
countries  
(extra -MER
COSUR)  
64 Footwear, gaiters and the like  67 67  
2 days/10 days  
87 Motor vehicles, tractors, bicycles 
and other land vehicles  185 185  
2 days/10 days  
Total automatic licences  371 275 96  
17 Sugars and sugar confectionery  4   
2 days/10 days  
29 Organic chemicals  2 2  
2 days/10 days  
84 Nuclear reactors, boilers, 
machinery and mechanical 
appliancesa 1 1  
Up to 15 days  
Total non -automatic licences  7 3  
 
a These are engines for the propulsion of vehicles of Chapter 87 of the NCM with a cylinder capacity of 
more than 3,500 cm3 (HS 8408.20.90.00).  
Source:  WTO documents G/LIC/N/3/URY/6 of 14  September  2012, G/LIC/N/3/URY/7 of 30 September  2013, 
G/LIC/N/3/URY/8 of 29  March  2016 and G/LIC/N/3/URY/9 of 30  March  2016.  
3.55.   Licences are introduced by means of a government decree, so that the Government can 
abolish the regime without requiring the agreement of the legislative branch. In g eneral, the 
importer or body authorized to import is entitled to apply for an import licence, subject to 
registration. However, in the case of sugar, where the licence is used to obtain a tariff preference, 
only industrial enterprises which can show that t he product is to be used for industrial purposes may 
apply for a licence (Section 4.1). Likewise, in the case of paper, only publishing enterprises which 
can show that the paper will be used for publishing purposes may apply for a licence.  
3.56.   Licences are pro cessed in the order in which the applications are received. Processing may be 
immediate or take up to 15 days, depending on the product. However, thanks to the use of 
computers, processing has been speeded up considerably. Uruguay does not provide for the 
processing of urgent licence applications. The majority of licences are valid for 60  days, except for 
those granted for the purpose of importing goods related with the automotive sector or sugar, which 
are valid for 90 days. If a longer period is required,  the necessary steps must be taken to obtain a 
new licence. Licences, apart from that for sugar, are not transferable. In the case of sugar, the 
licence may be transferred subject to the agreement of the National Directorate of Industry (DNI) 
and provided that there is no change in the volume authorized or the industrial enterprise that is to 
use the input.  
3.1.6   Anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures  
3.1.6.1   Anti-dumping measures  
3.57.   The application of anti -dumping measures continues to be governed by Law No.  16.671 of 
13 December  1994 and Decree No.  142/996 of 23  April 1996.  
3.58.   The entities responsible for carrying out investigations to determine the existence of injury to 
the domestic industry attributable to dumped imports and adopting, where appropriate, correc tive 
measures to counteract that injury, are, depending on the nature of the product under investigation, 
the National Directorate of Industry in the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining or the Agricultural 
Planning and Policy Office (OPYPA) in the Mini stry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP). 
Other institutions such as the Ministries of the Economy and Finance and Foreign  Affairs and the 
Planning and Budget Office (OPP) may also be involved in the investigations.  
3.59.   Investigations to determine t he existence, the degree and the effects of alleged dumping are 
initiated upon a written application by or on behalf of the domestic industry, addressed to one of the 
above -mentioned entities, depending on the nature of the product under investigation. In 
exceptional circumstances, an investigation may be initiated ex officio , where there is sufficient WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 60 - 
  evidence of dumping, injury and causal link to justify the investigation.59 According to the authorities, 
no ex officio  investigations have  been initiated.  
3.60.   The application for the initiation of an investigation may only be made in person by the 
accredited legal representatives or through third parties (with notarized power of attorney) or online. 
The application must include evidence of dumping, injury and a ca usal link between the dumped 
imports and the alleged injury. Investigations must be concluded within one year of their initiation, 
other than in exceptional circumstances when this period may be extended to 18  months. The law 
does not specify what these ex ceptional circumstances might be. According to the authorities, the 
procedures for carrying out an investigation have not changed since 2012.60 
3.61.   Anti-dumping duties and price undertakings are to remain in force only as long as and to the 
extent necessary to counteract dumping which is causing injury. Definitive anti -dumping duties must 
be terminated on a date not later than five years from their imposition or the date set for their 
review. The maximum period of applicability of an anti -dumping measure may be extended ex officio  
or upon a duly substantiated request by the domestic industry concerned, if it is concluded that 
termination of the duty would give rise to the continuation of injury and dumping.  
3.62.   Decisions relating to the application of an anti -dumping  duty may be subjected to a total or 
partial review, at the request of the interested parties or on the initiative of the authorities, a 
minimum of one year after the imposition of the definitive anti -dumping duty, provided that there 
is sufficient evidenc e that: (a)  the imposition of the measure is no longer necessary to offset 
dumping; (b) the injury would be unlikely to continue or recur if the measure were removed or 
altered; or (c) the existing measure is not or is no longer sufficient to counteract th e dumping 
causing the injury. Exceptionally, where there have been substantial changes in the circumstances 
or for reasons of national interest, a measure may be reviewed within less than a year of its being 
imposed.  
3.63.   During the review period, Uruguay initi ated two anti -dumping investigations: one relating to 
polyethylene film from Brazil (5  January  2015) and the other to electric water heaters of Chinese 
origin ( 20 June 2010) . The polyethylene film investigation did not give rise to the application of any 
measure, whereas in the case of the heaters an ad valorem  duty was imposed in 2012 (Table  3.13). 
During the periods 2012 -2014 and 2016 –2017, Uruguay did not initiate any anti -dumping 
investigations.  
Table 3.13 Anti-dumping measures, 2012 –2017  
Country or 
customs 
territory  Product  Initiation  Provisional 
measures and 
preliminary 
determinations  Definitive 
measures  No final 
measures/  
termination  
2012 -2014   N/A N/A N/A N/A 
2015       
Brazil  Transparent 
heat-shrinkable 
polyethylene film of a 
thickness exceeding 
30 micrometres, in rolls 
(HS 3920.10.99.12 and 
HS 3920.10.99.19)  5 January  2015 No measures of 
any kind applied  No duties applied  N/A 
People's 
Republic of 
China  Electric water heaters, 
with steel tanks, of a 
kind used for domestic 
purposes, with a 
capacity of 110 litres 
or less 
(HS 8516.10.00.10)  20 June 2010 2010–2011 
No provisional 
measures 
applied  2012-2015 
Ad valorem duty This measure 
was 
terminated on 
15 January  20
16 
15 January  2015a Not yet 
determined  29 December  2015 
According to the 
preliminary report 
of the 
implementing 
authority, an 
extension of duties 
is not appropriate   
                                                
59 Article 40 of Decree No.  142/1996.  
60 The procedures for carrying out an investigation may be viewed online at: 
https://tra mites.gub.uy/ampliados?id=163 . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 61 - 
  Country or 
customs 
territory  Product  Initiation  Provisional 
measures and 
preliminary 
determinations  Definitive 
measures  No final 
measures/  
termination  
2016 -2017   N/A N/A N/A N/A 
a Sunset review.  
N/A Not applicable.  
Source:  WTO documents G/ADP/N/280/URY and G/ADP/N/280/URY of 11  September  2012 and 
22 February  2016, respectively.  
3.1.6.2   Countervailing measures  
3.64.   The legislation governing the imposition of countervailing measures has not changed since  
2012.61 The DNI in the MIEM and the OPYPA in the MGAP are the authorities responsible for the 
corresponding investigations. Domestic producers who consider themselves to have been injured or 
threatened by imports of like products may apply to these bodies for an investigation to determine 
the existence of a subsidy, as well as injury to the domestic industry as a consequence of the imports, 
and to impose the appropriate countervailing duties. During the review period, Uruguay did not 
initiate any investigat ion or adopt any countervailing measures.  
3.1.6.3   Safeguard measures  
3.65.   Law No.  16.671 of 13  December  1994 and Decree No.  2/999 of 8  January  1999 establish the 
rules for the imposition of the safeguard measures envisaged in Article XIX of the GATT 1994 
(Emergency act ion on imports of particular products), in accordance with the WTO Agreement on 
Safeguards.  
3.66.   In Uruguay, the Implementation Committee, composed of representatives of the Ministries  of 
the Economy and Finance; Foreign Affairs; Livestock, Agriculture and Fish eries; and Industry, Energy 
and Mining, together with the Planning and Budget Office, is responsible for administering the 
safeguard regime. The responsibilities of the Committee include initiating the investigation, rejecting 
applications, closing the inv estigation, initiating the review and/or extension procedure and 
terminating measures.  
3.67.   The request for the initiation of an investigation with a view to the imposition of a safeguard 
measure must be lodged, in writing, by the interested parties with the Im plementation Committee, 
which will designate the investigating body. In general, the DNI and the OPYPA will be entrusted 
with the investigation. As technical agencies, these entities are responsible for recommending 
whether an investigation should be initi ated and whether a safeguard measure should be imposed 
once the investigation is completed or whether provisional measures should be applied, and are 
required to rule on the application, revocation or extension of definitive measures.  
3.68.   It is for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to notify the WTO Committee on Safeguards of the 
initiation of an investigation and its outcome. During the review period, Uruguay did not initiate any 
investigation or adopt any safeguard measures.  
3.69.   Uruguay reserved the right to  apply special safeguards for seed wheat (HS  2007 subheadings 
1001.10.00.90 and 1001.90.10.90). However, Uruguay has notified the Committee  on Agriculture 
that during the period 2012 -2015 the special safeguard was not used.62 
3.2  Measures directly affecting exp orts 
3.2.1   Customs procedures and requirements  
3.70.   The National Customs Directorate in the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, is responsible 
for export procedures, which are mainly governed by the Uruguayan Customs Code.63 Exporters do 
                                                
61 Law No.  16.671 of 13  December  1994 and Decree No.  395/008 of 18  August  2008.  
62 WTO documents G/AG/N/URY/51 of 17  May 2013, G/AG/N/URY/54 of 20  June 2014, G/AG/N/URY/58 
of 27 April 2015 and G/AG/N/URY/60 of 2  May 2016.  
63 Law No. 19.276 of 19  September  2014.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 62 - 
  not need to be registered wit h the DNA, only to be enrolled in the RUT (Directorate -General of 
Taxation and Social Security Bank (BPS)) and with the State Insurance Bank (BSE).  
3.71.   Uruguay operates three customs export procedures: outright exportation; temporary 
exportation for re -importa tion in the same state or for outward processing; and customs transit, 
which is common to both  imports and exports (Table  3.14). 
Table 3.14 Export procedures  
Outright exportation  
Outright exportation is the customs procedure that allows goods in free circulation to leave the customs 
territory definitively, subject to the payment of export duties and taxes, where appropriate, and compliance 
with all the mandatory customs formalities.  
Temporary exportation for  re-importation in the same state  
Goods in free circulation are exported for a specific purpose and period of time, with the requirement that 
they be re -imported in the same state, without payment of the duties and taxes levied on outright exportation, 
with the exception of the 0.05% BROU charge on the export value.  
Goods which return to the country after leaving the customs territory under this procedure are not subject to 
the payment of the duties and taxes levied on outright importation, with the except ion of the 0.05% BROU 
charge on the export value.  
Temporary exportation for outward processing  
The goods are exported without payment of the duties and taxes levied on outright exportation, with the 
exception of the 0.05% BROU charge on the export value,  so that they may undergo processing, 
manufacturing or repair and be subsequently re -imported within a specified period, subject to the duties and 
taxes levied on outright importation exclusively with respect to the value added abroad.  
Source:  Uruguayan C ustoms Code (Law No.  19.276 of 19  September  2014).  
3.72.   To export it is necessary to use the services of a customs clearing agent, who must be 
provided with the pro forma  or final commercial invoice and the packing list (if any). The clearing 
agent fills out the Single Customs Document on his computer system and sends the information to 
the DNA. The DUA must be accompanied by the commercial or pro forma  invoice, a copy of the bill 
of lading, a sworn declaration signed by the clearing agent and the exporter, and by all the 
documentation required in connection with the product in question, such as certificates of origin and 
phytosanitary or animal health certificates and thos e of the National Meat Institute (INAC) and the 
National Directorate of Aquatic Resources (DINARA).  
3.73.   Once the DNA has validated the DUA, the DNA's computer system randomly designates the 
control channel, which may be: red (examination of the goods and docum ents), amber (examination 
of the documents) or green (no examination).  
3.74.   If a port managed by the National Ports Authority (ANP) is used for exporting the goods, then 
before the goods are loaded the port dues for loading and transhipment must be paid. These tariffs 
were determined in  1993 on the basis of an econometric model that took into account the investment 
and the maintenance cost.64 The tariffs are specific and vary with the product from US$2.83 per 
tonne to US$22.67  per tonne (Chart 3.4). Once the good s have been loaded, the export duties and 
taxes are paid into the BROU. Once the duties and taxes have been paid and it is in possession of 
all the final documentation, the DNA registers the export operation in its LUCIA computer system 
(SIL). After that, the exporter may apply to the DGI for the corresponding drawback. The basis for 
calculating drawback is the export customs value (VAE), determined in accordance with the 
Agreement on Implementation of Article VII of the GATT 1994 (Section  3.2.4).65 
                                                
64 Decree No.  533/993 of 25  November  1993.  
65 Decree No.  32/014 of 11  December  2014.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 63 - 
  Chart 3.4 Port dues, by HS Chapter  
(US$ per tonne)  
 
Source:  Online information from the National Ports Authority (ANP), viewed at: 
http://www.anp.com.uy/inicio/institucional/cifras/montevideo/tarifas/montevideo_tarifas_despacho_
exportacion . 
5.6722.675.6712.765.678.935.6722.675.6722.675.6715.5922.678.935.6722.675.678.938.938.938.938.9312.765.678.938.9322.6712.765.6722.672.835.6712.7612.7612.7612.7612.7612.7612.7622.675.6722.675.672.8322.675.674.2512.768.9312.765.674.252.833.265.674.255.673.265.673.268.9312.76
0 5 10 15 20 2595-9793-9489-9287-8885-868481-838076-797572-7471.03717068-6966-6752-6551.1251.1151.0951.0751.06515049.1149.0149484745-464442-4341.1541.1341.1241.0741.04.19.40.1141.04.19.90.9041.04.19.40.194137-403628-3525-272418-2317161513-14121110.0610986-754321
US$ per tonneHSWT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 64 - 
  3.2.2   Taxes, charges and levies  
3.75.   In Uruguay, duties and taxes on exports are prohibited by Law No.  17.780 of 27 May 2004, 
which annulled the Government's right to establish such taxes, other than that on exports of raw, 
salted, pickled or wet -blue hides. Decree No.  639/006 of 27  December  2006 states that the export 
tax rate applicable to these products, included in the tariff lines of HS heading 4101 and its 
subheadings HSA 4104.11 and 4104.19, will correspond to that specified in Decree No.  456/984 of 
22 October  1984 (5%).  
3.76.   The fees charged by customs clearing agents vary with the customs operation and the service  
provided. In 2012, minimum ad valorem  scales were established for clearing agen t fees, by operation 
(Table 3.15 ). However, according to the authorities, these fees are  agreed with the clients. The 
customs value of the imported goods was taken as the basis  for calculating the fee.  
Table 3.15 Fees charged by Uruguayan customs clearing agents (exports), 2017  
Value of the goods/other  Rate ( ad valorem )/specific  
At exit (exportation, return, etc.)   
General goods  0.50%  
For traditional exports and high -value or high -volume goods  0.30%  
Minimum fee  US$50  
Source:  2012 tariffs: Uruguayan Association of Customs Clearing Agents. Online information viewed at: 
http://www.grupocer.com.uy/site/?page_id=133 . 
3.2.3   Export prohibitions, restrictions and licensing  
3.77.   In general, in Uruguay the free export of goods is guaranteed, with the exception of those 
that might affect public health, national security, preservation of the environment, sanitary 
conditions or consumer protection and those needed to satisfy the domestic demand for basic 
necessities. Exports may also be restricted to comply with the commitments undertaken by Uruguay 
within the context of the various interna tional agreements to which it is a signatory.  
3.78.   The Government may take the measures necessary to ensure adequate supplies and in times 
of scarcity or excessive increases in prices may, among other measures, reduce or temporarily 
abolish customs duties on st aple goods or prohibit the export of such goods where there are market 
shortages for domestic consumption or when prices on the domestic market are higher or lower than 
those prevailing abroad.66 When exports are prohibited, the measure may be general or di rected at 
a particular market. Under these powers, and owing to the supply difficulties facing the Uruguayan 
iron and steel industry, the export of steel and cast iron scrap is prohibited. This prohibition dates 
from 2001 and has been extended, since the a uthorities consider that the conditions leading to the 
decision to prohibit these exports have not changed.67 
3.79.   During the period 2012 -2017, in addition to continuing to prohibit the export of ferrous scrap, 
Uruguay also prohibited the export of certain mould s and bovine fat destined for China (Table 3.1 6). 
Table 3.16 Prohibited exports, 2018  
HS code  Description  Destination  Legal basis  
15.02  Fats of bovine animals, sheep or goats  
15.0210.1900  Other bovine fats,  rendered  China  MGAP Resolution No.  136/2015  
Decree No.  29.233 of 
22 June 2015  
38.24  Prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores  
38.2472.0000  Prepared binders for foundry moulds or 
cores containing 
bromochlorodifluoromethane, 
bromotrifluoromethane or 
dibromotetrafluoroethanes  Any country  Decree No.  308/994  
72.04  Ferrous waste and scrap  
72.0410.0000  Waste and scrap of cast iron  Any country  Decree No.  209/002  
72.0429.0000  Other waste of stainless steel  Any country  Decree No.  209/002  
72.0430.0000  Waste and scrap of tinned iron or steel  Any country  Decree No.  209/002  
                                                
66 Law No.  10.940 of 19  September  1947.  
67 Decree No.  209/002 of 12  June 2002.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 65 - 
  HS code  Description  Destination  Legal basis  
72.0441.0000  Waste – Turnings, shavings, chips, filings, 
trimmings and stampings, whether or not in 
bundles  Any country  Decree No.  209/002  
72.0449.0000  Other – Turning waste  Any country  Decree No.  209/002  
72.0450.0000  Scrap ingots  Any country  Decree No.  209/002  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.80.   Moreover, as from 2011, any exporter of rice (HS 10.06, HS  11.02, HS  15.1590) will have to 
submit certain information relating to the area sown (by variety of rice and department),  production 
at harvest time and monthly stocks to the Sectoral Committee for Rice, in order to obtain a "rice 
export authorization".68 
3.2.4   Support for exports and export promotion  
3.81.   Uruguay XXI is the Uruguayan Investment  and Export Promotion Institute . One of the main 
objectives of Uruguay XXI is to contribute to the consolidation, expansion and diversification of 
exports of goods and services. Within this framework, it also seeks to  include more businesses, 
especially micro and small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in the export process and to promote 
an export culture throughout the country.  
3.82.   Since 2012, Uruguay XXI has implemented various programmes designed to promote 
exports: Proe xport (co -financing of trade promotion programmes); FODIME (co -financing of 
internationalization plans and/or market studies); ProTIC (co -financing of trade action plans with a 
maximum duration of two years, for enterprises in the ICT sector); Finishing Sc hools  (co-financing 
of training programmes for enterprises in various sectors: pharmaceuticals and health; information 
and communication technologies (ICT); architecture and engineering; and corporate services). In 
2016, Proexport and FODIME were discontin ued and integrated into a single programme Proexport+, 
which began to be implemented in July  2017.  
3.83.   The objective of Proexport, closed down in 2016, was to help to improve the competitiveness 
of the MSMEs, thereby facilitating their integration into the int ernational market. Proexport provided 
enterprises with financial support to carry out activities such as: visits to fairs, trade missions, 
reverse missions (invitations to possible buyers), and technological missions. The contributions, 
which did not have to be reimbursed, could be used to finance, among other things: travel outside 
and inside the country (in the case of travel abroad, financing was provided for a single trip per 
enterprise); stands for exhibiting at foreign fairs; shipments of samples abro ad; and technical 
assistance and training in connection with export -related activities. The programme was open to 
MSMEs with an "SME Certificate" issued by the MIEM’s National Directorate of Crafts and Small and 
Medium Enterprises (DINAPYME).69 The non -reimbursable grants from Proexport could be used to 
finance up to 70% of the cost of export promotion with a ceiling of US$5,000 per enterprise, for 
individual proposals. For associative proposals, the maximum support depended on the cost of the 
proposal and t he number of participating beneficiary enterprises.  
3.84.   In 2012, the Market Diversification Fund (FODIME) was established to carry out market 
studies in order to facilitate market access for MSMEs whose exports had been affected by restrictive 
measures imposed  in the markets of destination. The FODIME was set up by the MIEM and managed 
by Uruguay XXI. Altogether, during the period 2012 -2016 the FODIME supported 80  enterprises at 
a cost of US$875,484; the private sector contribution amounted to US$285,291.70 
3.85.   The promotion of services exports forms part of Uruguay's development strategy. To this end, 
Uruguay XXI implements various programmes for promoting the country as a strategic provider of 
services. Steps have been taken to increase the participation of small a nd medium enterprises 
(SMEs) in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry, which has been identified 
                                                
68 Decree No.  439/011 of 12  December  2011.  
69 A micro -enterprise  employs from one to four people and has annual sales of 2  million indexed units 
(UI); a small enterprise employs from 5 to 19 people and has annual sales of 10  million UI; and a medium 
enterprise employs from 20 to 99 people and has annual sales of 75 UI (online information from DINAPYME, 
viewed at: http://www.dinapyme.gub.uy/web/mipymes/ -/ per centC2  per centBFes -mi-empresa -una- 
mipyme -). 
70 Online information from Uruguay XXI, viewed at: 
http://www.uruguayx xi.gub.uy/exportaciones/fodime . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 66 - 
  as one of the areas of the services sector with a significant export potential. Thus, the year 2015 
marked the emergence of ProTIC, a pro gramme for supporting exporting SMEs and those with an 
export potential in the ICT sector. Through ProTIC, beneficiary enterprises are granted 
non-reimbursable funds ranging from US$5,000 to US$20,000. These funds can be used to finance 
trade visits or par ticipation in international events or reverse missions, as well as to pay for 
consultancy services and database purchases. They can cover a maximum of 70% of the total cost 
of an enterprise's trade promotion programme.71 
3.86.   The Finishing Schools programme, imp lemented since 2012, is directed towards supporting 
services -exporting enterprises. This programme can be used to finance, with non -reimbursable 
funds, up to 70% of a training plan proposed by the enterprise.72 At end -2017, some 52% of the 
disbursements mad e under the programme had gone to enterprises in the corporate services 
segment, 33% to ICT enterprises, 14% to life -sciences enterprises and 1% to architecture and 
civil engineering enterprises.  
3.87.   The objective of the Proexport+ programme, initiated in 2017 , is to provide exporting MSMEs 
with support for their internationalization process.73 Proexport+ is managed by Uruguay  XXI, within 
the framework of the National System for Productive Transformation and Competitiveness.74 
Through this mechanism, enterprises can obtain co -financing for capacity building or boosting their 
marketing and sales strategy, within the framework of an internationalization project. Beneficiaries 
of the programme can obtain co -financing in the form of a non -reimbursable contribution of up to 
US$40,000 per project. The activities that can be co -financed are: training, certification, product 
development and improvement, design and packaging, professional development or the creation of 
a foreign trade area. The internationalization plan may  also involve business missions, market 
studies, legal advice, exploratory visits, participation in trade fairs, visits to customers, negotiating 
rounds, reverse or technological missions, and registration and protection of trademarks and patents 
in the ma rkets of destination.  
3.88.   Uruguay continues to implement special export promotion procedures.75 The main procedures 
operating in Uruguay include temporary admission, stock replacement and drawback. These three 
procedures have not undergone any substantial chang es since 2012 and the MIEM, with the technical 
assistance of the Uruguayan Technological Laboratory (LATU), continues to be the supervisory 
body.76 
3.89.   Temporary admission provides for the importation, free of all duties and taxes, of raw 
materials, inputs, par ts, components, equipment or materials (including those needed for software 
media or information relating to information technology) used for manufacturing products which are 
subsequently exported, whether in the state in which they were imported or after having undergone 
specific transformation, processing, repair or value adding, with the actual employment of labour. 
The procedure also covers machinery and equipment temporarily imported for repair, maintenance 
or upgrading and products consumed in the pro duction process without being incorporated into the 
finished product exported, as well as containers and packaging material. To operate under this 
procedure it is necessary to obtain prior authorization from LATU, and the end products must be 
exported with in a period of 18 months from the date of authorization.  
3.90.   The stock replacement procedure allows the exporter to import inputs free of duties and taxes 
to replace similar goods imported and used as inputs for manufacturing an exported product. To 
obtain aut horization to operate under this procedure, the exporter must provide LATU with a list of 
the goods to be exported. The replacement goods must be imported within a period of 18  months 
from the date of authorization, in a single operation.  
                                                
71 Online information from Uruguay XXI, viewed at: http://www.uruguayxxi.gub.uy/es/uruguay -xxi-
lanza-protic -programa -que-apoyara -a-los-exportadores -de-tics. 
72 Online information viewed at: http://www.smartservices.uy/innovaportal/v/255/6/innova.front/que -
son.html . 
73 Online information from Uruguay XXI, viewed at: 
http:// www.uruguayxxi.gub.uy/exportaciones/presentacion -programa -de-apoyo -a-mipymes -en-el-proceso -de-
internacionalizacion . 
74 Law No.  19.472 of 23  December  2016.  
75 Export incentives. Online information viewed at: 
http://www.uruguayxxi.gub.uy/exportaciones/incentiv os-a-la-exportacion . 
76 Decree No.  505/009 of 3  November  2009, implementing Law No.  18.184 of 27  October  2007.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 67 - 
  3.91.   Under the drawbac k procedure , the exporter may claim the refunding of the duties and taxes 
paid to import inputs that can be imported under the temporary admission procedure and have been 
used as inputs in the production of the goods, after the end product has been exporte d. In addition 
to the drawback system, there is an indirect tax refund procedure that enables the exporter to 
recover internal taxes that form part of the cost of the product exported, provided that the product 
contains a minimum of 20% of domestic inputs.  The amount refunded to the exporter is a percentage 
of the customs export value (VAE)77, establi shed by Government decree . The refund percentage is 
determined on the basis of studies of the indirect taxes not refunded to the export sectors; the 
refund rate s are updated on the basis of these studies. The tax refund certificate, issued by the DGI, 
can be used to pay taxes and/or contributions to the Social Security Bank (BPS) or be endorsed to 
a financial institution.  
3.92.   The list of products and the refund percentage under the indirect tax refund procedure varied 
during the review period. The refund percentage increased from 2% in 2012, to 3% in 2014 and to 
6% in  2017.78 The number of tariff lines (HS ten -digit) eligible for the refund increased from 217 in 
2012 to 1,531 in 2017 (Table 3.1 7).79 
Table 3.17 Indirect tax refund procedure, 2012, 2014 and 2017  
(Number of lines and rates (  %) ) 
HS S ection  2012  2014  2017  
1 – Live animals and animal products  6 487 194 
2 – Vegetable products  2 66 50 
3 – Animal or vegetable fats and oils   23 12 
4 – Prepared food stuffs, beverages, tobacco  10 154 77 
5 – Mineral products   8 8 
6 – Products of the chemical or allied industries  24 271 220 
7 – Plastics and articles thereof  4 136 95 
8 – Raw hides and skins, furskins and articles thereof  8 97 62 
9 – Wood and articles of wood  14 54 61 
10 – Wood pulp; paper, paperboard and articles thereof  3 112 48 
11 – Textiles and textile articles  135 711 425 
12 – Footwear, headgear, etc.   33 24 
13 – Articles of stone; ceramic products  2 33 28 
14 – Precious metals, pearls and precious stones   7 7 
15 – Base metals   74 47 
16 – Machinery and appliances, electrical equipment  6 96 79 
17 – Vehicles, etc.   72 31 
18 – Instruments and apparatus  2 29 23 
19 – Arms and ammunition     
20 – Miscellaneous manufactured articles  1 44 40 
Total  217 2,507  1,531  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.93.   Enterprises which export completed or part completed vehicles assembled in the country or 
auto parts of national origin and benefit from a customs concession applicable to the importation of 
motor vehicles assembled in the country of origin and destined for the domestic market may not 
additionally benefit from the re fund of indirect taxes.80 
3.94.   The objective of the free zone regime established in 1987 is to promote investment, exports, 
employment and international economic integration.81 The Ministry of the Economy and Finance 
authorizes the creation of free zones and then  supervises them; the free zones may be public or 
private. At present, there are free zones in: Colonia, Canelones, Florida, Fray Bentos, Libertad, 
Montevideo, Nueva Helvecia and Nueva Palmira. In these zones it is possible to engage in activities 
such as:  the marketing, storage, handling and packing, grading, splitting, mixing, assembly or 
disassembly of goods or raw materials of domestic or foreign origin, as well as manufacturing 
activities and the provision of any type of services.  
                                                
77 Decree No.  32/014 of 11  December  2014.  
78 Decree No.  147/014 of 23  May 2014.  
79 Decree No.  183/017 of 14  July 2017.  
80 Decree No.  147/14 of 23  May 2014, Decree No.  316/992 of 7  July 1992 and WTO document s 
G/SCM/N/253/URY -G/SCM/N/260/URY of 26  July 2013.  
81 Law No.  15.921 of 17  December  1987 and Decree No.  454/988 of 8  July 1988.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 68 - 
  3.95.   The users of free zon es enjoy the following tax concessions (provided that 75% of their 
personnel are Uruguayan citizens): exemption from all domestic taxes, including the tax on the 
income from economic activities; entry and exit of goods and services free of all duties and t axes 
and the payment of dividends to shareholders domiciled abroad with exemption from withholding 
tax in Uruguay.  
3.96.   From the customs viewpoint, goods introduced into free zones from non -free national territory 
are considered to be exports, and the departure  of goods from the free zones for foreign destinations 
is totally exempt from tax. The introduction of goods from the free zone into non -free national 
territory is regarded as importation and is therefore subject to the corresponding tariffs. Likewise, 
goods from Uruguayan free zones that enter MERCOSUR member countries are subject to the 
common external tariff.  
3.97.   In the free zones there is no state monopoly of industrial or commercial services.  
3.2.5   Export financing, insurance and guarantees  
3.98.   The export financing regime continued to exist up until 2014. Since 1  June 2014 no  operations 
have been instituted under the financing regime, except in the case of certain goods for which the 
deadline for setting up such operations was 31  December  2014.82 
3.3  Measures affecting pr oduction and trade  
3.3.1   Incentives  
3.99.   In 2013 Uruguay notified the WTO of two programmes related with subsidies granted to the 
automotive and clothing industries.83 According to information provided by the authorities, these 
programmes have not undergone any substantive changes since 2012.84 According to the notification 
made to the WTO, the programme for the automotive industry would not be prolonged beyond 
31 Decemb er 2015 and it would begin to be dismantled in 2013. According to information provided 
by the authorities, the programme for the clothing industry will continue in force until 2018 inclusive.  
3.100.   Uruguay continues to implement a subsidy programme for the restr ucturing of the 
automotive sector and the promotion of its exports. The subsidy is granted to enterprises which 
export completed or part completed vehicles assembled in the country or auto parts of Uruguayan 
origin. These enterprises may benefit from custo ms relief on the importation of motor vehicles 
destined for the domestic market or use the relief to avoid paying other taxes.85 
3.101.   In the case of the programme for the clothing and leather industry, the subsidy is granted 
to strengthen and promote its develop ment. The principal objectives of the measure are: to ensure 
the sustainability of the sector; to improve quality and working conditions; to increase the sector's 
productivity; and to promote the employment of skilled labour and reduce the amount of casual  
labour.86 The benefits of the programme are available to enterprises devoted to manufacturing, 
among other things: knitted articles of apparel and clothing accessories (HS  61); clothing 
accessories other than knitted (HS  62); clothing accessories of leathe r (HS  4203.10); bed linen of 
cotton and non -woven fabric (HS  6302.21, HS  6302.22, HS  6302.31 and HS  6302.32); hats and 
other headgear and hair -nets (HS  6505.00); and padded quilts and similar articles of natural or 
man-made fibres (HS  9404.90.00.20). The s ubsidy is granted to enterprises and workers that 
request it and is divided into three parts: (i) 33% for enterprises, (ii)  33% for workers and (iii)  34% 
for co -financing projects. In 2012, it was decided that the total amount of the subsidy for the period  
                                                
82 Decree No.  147/014 of 23  May 2014.  
83 The programme for the automotive industry was notified under the provisions of Article  27.4 of the 
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures and has therefore been subject to extensions in 
accordance with the procedures in General Council Decisio n WT/L/691 (WTO document 
G/SCM/N/253/URY - G/SCM/N/260/URY of 26  July 2013).  
84 Decree No.  316/92 of 7  July 1992, Decree No.  583/94 of 30  December  1994, Decree No.  340/96 of 
23 August  1996, Decree No.  60/99 of 3  March  1999 and Decree No.  273/99 of 10  Septem ber 1999.  
85 Decree No.  60/999 of 3  March  1999 and Decree No.  273/999 of 10  September  1999, which amended 
Decree No.  316/992 of 7  July 1992.  
86 Law No.  18.846 of 25  November  2011, Decree No.  179/012 of 1  June 2012 and Law No.  19.355 of 
19 December  2015.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 69 - 
  2012-2018 would be US$27.5  million, to be distributed in annual amounts.87 This programme will 
continue in force until 2018 inclusive.  
3.102.   In addition to these programmes, Uruguay grants other fiscal incentives for investment in 
general (Section 2) and for specific sectors (Table 3.18 ). These programmes were already in force 
in 2012 and according to information provided by the authorities have not undergone any major 
changes.  
Table 3.18 Incentives, 2018  
Benefici aries  Incentives  Legal framework  Tax exemption  Other  
Agriculture  Exempts imported agricultural 
inputs from specified levies   Decree No.  194/1979 of 3  March  1979 
Decree No.  71/016 of 9  March  2016 
Agriculture   Promotion fund  
Farming insurance  Decree No. 267/012 of 16  August  2012 
Forestry sector  IRAE  Law No.  17.905 of 15  September  2005 
Automotive sector  Tariffs   Decree No.  316/92 of 7  July 1992 and 
amendments thereto  
Parts and 
components for 
capital goods  Preferential tariff rate   Decree No. 487/983 of 
9 December  1983 
Clothing   Grant  Law No.  18.846 of 25  November  2011 
Decree No.  179/021 of 1  June 2012 
Dockyards, dry 
docks and jetties  Tariffs,  
VAT  Decree -Law No.  15.675 of 
25 October  1984 
Biotechnology  IRAE  Law on the Protection and Promotion of 
Investment No.  16.906 of 
7 January  1998 
Decree No.  011/013 of 15  January  2013 
Shipbuilding 
industry and 
electronics  IRAE  Law on the Protection and Promotion of 
Investment No.  16.906 of 
7 January  1998 
Decree No.  58/009 of 26  January  2009 
Amending Decree No.  532/009 of 
23 November  2009 
Amending Decree No.  127/011 of 
1 April 2011 
Construction of 
housing and 
offices of major 
economic 
importance  IRAE  Law on the Protection and Promotion of 
Investment No.  16.906 of 
7 January  1998 
Decree No. 329/016 of 13  October  2016 
Amending decrees: Decree No.  007/017 
of 10 January  2017, Decree No.  194/017 
of 24 July 2017 and Decree No.  26/017 
of 20 November  2017 
Construction, 
expansion and 
operation of car 
parks  IRAE 
Import duties and taxes  
VAT in the  domestic market  
Wealth tax (IP)   Law on the Protection and Promotion of 
Investment No.  16.906 of 
7 January  1998 
Decree No.  110/016 of 18  April 2016 
Tourism  Import duties and taxes  
VAT in the domestic market  
IP  Law on the Protection and Promotion of 
Investment No.  16.906 of 
7 January  1998 
Decree No.  175/003 of 7  May 2003 
 IRAE 
Import duties and taxes  
VAT in the domestic market  
IP  Law on the Protection and Promotion of 
Investment No.  16.906 of 
7 January  1998 
Decree No.  404/010 of 
29 December  2010 
Amending Decree No.  59/012 of 
28 February  2012 
Renewable energy  IRAE  Law on the Protection and Promotion of 
Investment No.  16.906 of 
7 January  1998 
Decree No.  354/009 of 3  August  2009 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.103.   The National Economic Development Agency (ANDE) is responsible for designing and 
implementing programmes and tools for improving business skills with an emphasis on MSMEs. The 
                                                
87 Decree No.  179/012 of 1  June 2012.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 70 - 
  ANDE helps MSMEs to obtain financing. It accordingly develops and implements pro grammes and 
tools such as the Financing Programme (PFA), which offers financing and technical support to 
institutions that grant credit directly to MSMEs and provides guarantees for MSMEs through the 
National Guarantee System (SiGa).88 
3.104.   The Fund for Developm ent (FONDES) provides enterprises with various forms of support: 
loans and  guarantees; seed capital and venture capital; non -reimbursable contributions to finance 
technical assistance with the finalization of plans and feasibility and development studies f or projects 
and programmes; and non -reimbursable contributions for the purpose of financing staff training and 
improving management and certification processes.89 
3.105.   FONDES ANDE was established in 2016, specifically for the purpose of financing the 
development  of MSMEs.90 The objective is to extend financing to MSMEs via financial institutions 
that operate throughout Uruguayan territory. Funds from FONDES ANDE were used to create the 
"First ANDE -SiGa Guarantee Trust Fund" (FGAS), which has been operational since  November  2016 
and has at its disposal approximately Ur$370  million with a maximum leverage of 1.5. According to 
information provided by the authorities, by October  2017 altogether 15  guarantees had been 
granted for a total amount of approximately Ur$20  million (some 3.6% of the funds available). The 
funds guaranteed corresponded to activities in the agricultural (5.6%), industrial (24.7%) and trade 
and services (69.7%) sectors. Since the creation of FONDES ANDE up to October  2017, 
non-reimbursable contribu tions from its funds totalling Ur$215  million had been granted. During the 
same period, Seed ANDE was used to provide a total of Ur$46  million for financing 72  projects, with 
a contribution of Ur$11.5  million from the private counterparty (Seed  ANDE financ es 80% of each 
project). Seed ANDE has mainly been used as a tool in the services sector (58.3%), followed by the 
industrial sector (33.3%) and agriculture (8.3%).  
3.106.   Since 2016, Uruguayan legislation has stipulated that all the new support that FONDES 
grants  to the undertakings or projects of one and the same economic group may never exceed 10% 
of the assets managed in the current year. If loans are granted, up to two loans may be granted to 
one and the same project or enterprise, over a period of five years,  and the total amount of the loan 
may not exceed 15% of the annual average value of the assets managed in the previous five years.91 
3.107.   ANDE coordinates its efforts with Uruguay XXI within the framework of the National  System 
for Productive Transformation and Competitiveness ( Transforma Uruguay ) for the implementation 
of MSME internationalization programmes.92 
3.3.2   Standards and other technical requirements  
3.108.   The Uruguayan Standardization, Accreditation, Metrology and Conformity Assessment 
System (SUNAMEC)93 established  in 2010, to which the Uruguayan Technical Standards Institute 
(UNIT) belongs, is an integral part of the framework for developing standardization procedures and 
assessing the conformity of products and services (calibration, testing, inspection, certifica tion and 
accreditation) in accordance with international practice.94 Uruguay, through the UNIT, has accepted 
the Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards set out in 
Annex 3 to the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers t o Trade.  
3.109.   The UNIT is Uruguay's national standardization body. It issues standards through various 
specialized committees composed of representatives of all the sectors involved, which follow a 
common procedure (Chart 3.5).  
                                                
88 Online information from the ANDE Fund for Development, viewed at: https://www.ande.org.uy . 
89 Article 7 of Decree No.  159/016 of 30  May 2016. In accordance with the Decree, the Fund  for 
Development is divided into two parts: one managed by the National Cooperativism Institute (INACOOP) and 
the other managed by the National Economic Development Agency (ANDE). The former will be called FONDES 
INACOOP and the latter FONDES ANDE.  
90 Law N o. 19.337 of 20  August  2015.  
91 Decree No.  159/016 of 30 of May  2016.  
92 Law No.  18.602 on the ANDE of 21  September  2009.  
93 The SUNAMEC replaced the Uruguay Accreditation, Standardization, Certification, Calibration and 
Testing Scheme (SUANCCE) established i n 1997.  
94 Decree No.  89/010 of 26  February  2010.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 71 - 
  Chart 3.5 Standardization  
 
 
Source:  Online information from UNIT, viewed at: http://www.unit.org.uy/normalizacion/que . 
3.110.   Standards are issued and revised at the request of an interested  party or when it is 
recognized that, in the public interest, there is a need to develop a standard in a specific field. Once 
the request has been accepted, a specialized technical committee is set up to prepare, examine and 
approve drafts of new standards  and/or amendments to existing ones. Consumers and producers of 
both the sector that will be affected and other sectors participate in these technical committees. 
Once the specialized committee has completed its study and has approved the preliminary draft , the 
latter becomes a draft. If there is a relevant international standard, it is used as a reference. If the 
committee considers it expedient, it may submit the draft standard to a public inquiry. Once the 
draft has been studied and there is a consensus (absence of reasoned objections), it is approved. 
All drafts approved by the committee are submitted for examination by the General Committee on 
Standards (CGN). If approved by the CGN, the standard is published and registered in the UNIT 
Standards Catalog ue. There is a charge for access to the Catalogue.95 
3.111.   There is no mandatory procedure for revising standards. They are revised to the extent that 
there are changes in the circumstances that led to their being approved. Standards may be revised 
ex officio  or at the request of an interested party.  
3.112.   In Uruguay there are several agencies that issue technical regulations, including the 
Ministries of: Industry, Energy and Mining; Public Health; Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries; and 
Housing, Land Management and t he Environment. Technical regulations are also issued by the 
Energy and Water Services Regulatory Authority (URSEA) and the Communications Services 
Regulatory Authority (URSEC). Each follows its own procedures for drawing up technical regulations. 
The prep aration of technical regulations may be initiated ex officio  or at the request of a third party. 
As with standards, there is no mandatory procedure for revising technical regulations. They are 
revised to the extent that there are changes in the circumstanc es that led to their being issued. 
Revision may be ex officio  or at the request of an interested party.  
3.113.   A proportion of the technical regulations adopted by Uruguay involve the adoption of 
regulations issued at the regional level by the Common Market Group  (GMC), MERCOSUR's principal 
executive body.  
3.114.   In the period between January  2012 and December  2017, Uruguay submitted 15 technical 
regulation notifications (21 since 1995) to the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade. Six  of 
these notifications refer red to technical regulations issued by MERCOSUR's GMC. A majority of the 
regulations related to foods (five notifications), followed by those relating to packaging, marking and 
labelling (four) and those relating to household cleaning products (three).96 No questions relating to 
the measures imposed by Uruguay were raised in the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade 
during the period 2012 -2017. Uruguay's TBT enquiry points are by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
(for notifications) and the Ministry of the Economy and Finance (for receiving comments).  
3.115.   The National Quality Institute (INACAL), established in 2005, is the organization responsible 
for quality control. INACAL communicates with the Government through the Ministry of Industry, 
Energy and Mining . In addition, INACAL, as part of SUNAMEC, guides and coordinates the work of 
the National Quality System.97 
3.116.   The UNIT is responsible for certification in Uruguay. It certifies management systems and 
certain products and services. For certifying products and  services, the UNIT has an Independent 
Quality Certification System for granting the right to use the "UNIT Mark of Conformity with a UNIT 
Standard" ( Marca UNIT de Conformidad con Norma UNIT ) to products and services for which UNIT 
standards have previousl y been established and which meet the requisite level of quality or 
                                                
95 Online information from the UNIT, viewed at: http://www.unit.org.uy/normalizacion/norma/175 . 
96 WTO documents in the series G/TBT/N/URY/7 -21. 
97 Law No.  17.930 of 19  December  2005.  
Standardization
requestConstitution of 
specialized
technical
committeePreparation of 
preliminary
drafts and 
draftsPulic inquiry
(optional )Approval by
specialized
committeeApproval by
general 
committeeApproval by
governing
boardPublicationWT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 72 - 
  specifications. The UNIT grants this mark after assessing the conformity of the product or production 
process with the specifications of the standard. Since 2010, the UNIT has also been re sponsible for 
HACCP certification in Uruguay.  
3.117.   The Uruguayan Accreditation Agency (OUA), set up in 1998, is tasked with accrediting 
conformity assessment bodies. The authorities consider that in this way it is helping to facilitate 
trade in Uruguayan goods and services, since they believe that accreditation increases confidence 
in goods and services produced in Uruguay.98 
3.118.   The OUA follows the international standards developed for the accreditation bodies to ensure 
the impartiality and transparency necessary to  generate reliable products and services, with a view 
to promoting the sale of products and services on the international markets. The OUA is a member 
of Inter -American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC). It is also a signatory to mutual recognition 
agreemen ts with IAAC and International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), as a testing 
and calibration laboratory accreditation agency, and with IAAC and the International Accreditation 
Forum (IAF), as an agency for the accreditation of bodies certifying  quality and environmental 
management systems and bodies responsible for product certification.  
3.119.   As regards conformity assessment entities in Uruguay, at November  2017 there were: 
four management system certification bodies (OCS), including the UNIT; four p roduct certification 
bodies (OCP), including the National Meat Institute (INAC), the Uruguayan Technological Laboratory 
(LATU) and the UNIT; 21  accredited testing laboratories, some for specific products such as the 
National Fuel, Alcohol and Portland Ceme nt Authority (ANCAP) for alcohol, fuel and Portland cement, 
and others such as LATU, with a more general scope; eight calibration laboratories (LC); one clinical 
analysis laboratory; and two aptitude testing facilities (PEA), one of them being LATU.  
3.120.   LATU c ertifies various products such as: foods, water heaters, helmets, toys, and digital 
television, following the guidelines of Standard UNIT -ISO/IEC 17065. LATU gives a written guarantee 
and establishes that a product, process or service is in conformity with  the requirements laid down 
in the technical regulations.  
3.121.   LATU also participates in legal metrology activities and may propose draft technical 
regulations for regulated measuring instruments to the MIEM. The laboratory is also responsible for 
the metrologi cal control of all regulated measuring instruments. LATU must approve the design of 
the instrument, carry out initial and regular (annual) checks and, where appropriate, oversee its 
use. The regulated measuring instruments include scales, taximeters, fuel pumps, meters for 
commercial use, and tanks for transporting fuel. Checks are also carried out on instruments used in 
the field of public health, such as clinical thermometers and mechanical and digital 
sphygmomanometers. In addition, LATU is responsible f or maintaining the register of manufacturers, 
importers and repairers of regulated measuring instruments and is authorized to admit them to and 
suspend them or exclude them from the register. Since 2012, LATU has also been responsible for 
checking pre -meas ured products.99 In Uruguay, the packaging of goods marketed according to their 
weight or size must always indicate the net quantity in the corresponding legal units in order to 
comply with the labelling and tolerance standards laid down in the technical re gulations issued by 
the MIEM.100 
3.122.   Some products require a marketing or conformity certificate to be distributed in Uruguay. 
For example, imported food products and beverages must comply with the domestic bromatological 
provisions for LATU to grant them a mark eting certificate. For this purpose, the importing company 
must be registered with LATU.101 Moreover, to be imported a food product must be included in the 
bromatological register.102 Apart from food products, steel, toys and tyres require certification. When 
these products are imported, an import licence i s generally required (Table  3.19). Likewise, LATU 
certifies the quality of various export products; those that require an export certificate include: dairy 
                                                
98 Online information from the OUA, viewed at: 
http://www.organismouruguayodeacreditacion.org/Pagina_Principal.htm . 
99 Decree No.  75/2012 of 13  March  2012.  
100 Decree No.  249/003 of 18  June 2012, Decree No.  300/010 of 7  October  2010 Decree No.  129/009 of 
16 March  2009 and Decree No.  387/008 of 11  August  2008.  
101 Decree No.  338/982 of 22  September  1982.  
102 Decree No.  315/994 o f 5 July 1994, and online information from LATU, viewed at: 
http://www.latu.org.uy/wp/wp -content/uploads /2016/06/Procedimiento -para-la-Gestión -del-Certificado -de-
Comercialización -de-Alimentos.pdf . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 73 - 
  produce; meat products; fruit and vegetables sold commercially; beekeeping products; bakery 
products; fermented beverages; suintina (the fatty product obtained by centrifuging the effluents 
from washing dirty wool); and eggs in the shell. The export certificate is free of charge for products 
for which it is compulsory, but not for products for which certification is voluntary.103 
Table 3.19 Some products requiring a mandatory certificate for marketing or 
importation, 2018  
Product  Marketing 
requirement  Import 
requirement  Issuing/inspecting 
body  Legal 
instrument  
Oil Bromatological 
certificate  Import licence  National Directorate 
of Industry  Decree 
No. 275/001  
Structural steel  Marketing certificate  Import licence  National Directorate 
of Industry  Decree 
No. 217/014  
Acetic acid  No domestic 
production  Prior import licence  National Directorate 
of Industry  Decree 
No. 75/009  
Footwear  Labelling requirement  Prior import licence  National Directorate 
of Industry  
Market control, 
consumer protection  Decree 
No. 251/005  
Toys Marketing certificate 
issued on the basis of 
a certificate of 
conformity issued by 
accredited or 
designated 
certification bodies  Marketing 
certificate issued 
on the basis of a 
certificate of 
conformity issued 
by accredited or 
designated 
certification bodies  National Directorate 
of Industry  Decrees 
No. 88/005, 
No. 89/007 and 
No. 468/006  
Tyres  Certificate of 
conformity  Certificate  of 
conformity  National Directorate 
of Industry  Decree 
No. 349/998  
GMC Resolution 
No. 65/92  
Diesel engines  No domestic 
production  Import licence  National Directorate 
of Industry  Decree 
No. 290/008  
Child restraint 
systems for 
vehicles (CRS)  No domestic  
production  Import licence 
issued on the basis 
of a certificate 
issued by the 
national 
certification body 
accredited with the 
OUA National Directorate 
of Industry  Law No.19.061  
Decree 
No. 81/014  
Textiles  Labelling requirement  Prior import licence  National Directorate 
of Industry  
Market control, 
consumer protection  Decree 
No. No. 394/000  
Motor vehicles 
0 km Approved assembly 
project  Prior import licence  National Directorate 
of Industry  Decree 
No. 254/011  
Vehicles 
(approval)  Certificate indicating 
compliance with the 
technical regulations  Prior authorization  National Directorate 
of Industry  Law No.  19.061  
Decree 
No. 81/014  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.123.   Uruguay accepts as equivalent the technical regulations adopted and the tests carried out 
by trading partners with which it has concluded mutual recognition agreements.  
3.3.3   Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  
3.124.   Uruguay has a range of laws, decrees and regulations governing phytosanitary and animal 
health policies and mea sures (Table A3.4). The basic law on animal health dates back to 1910 and 
on plant health to 1911. These two laws have been amended and updated by means of further laws 
                                                
103 Guía para la Certificación de Exportaciones . Viewed at: http://www.latu.org.uy/wp/wp -
content/uploads/2016/06/Manual_para_gestionar_certificado_de_exportacion.pdf . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
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  and decrees on sanitary programmes for the prevention, monitoring, control and eradicat ion of 
animal and plant diseases and on the control of imports and exports of animal and plant products.104 
3.125.   The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP), through its various directorates, 
is responsible for drawing up phytosanitary and animal health policy and implementing animal, plant 
and human health protection programmes in the agricultural, agro -industry and fisheries sectors, as 
well as monitoring and overseeing compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary standards. The main 
institutional change made since the last review in 2012 is the establishment within the MGAP of the 
Directorate -General of Food Safety Control (DIGECIA) (Table  3.20). 
3.126.   The MGAP is tasked with monitoring agricultural products placed on the market to verify 
their terms of sale, composition and end use. In 2010, the MGAP's remit was extended and it was 
given the power to authorize or require prior registration for the use, processing, entry, exit or 
marketing of materials or products for agricultural or livestock use. Facili ties in which agricultural or 
livestock materials or products are prepared, formulated and processed have to be approved by the 
MGAP. The MGAP also controls and regulates the technical requirements to be met by tools for 
agricultural use.  
Table 3.20 Responsibilities of the MGAP's directorates, 2017  
Institution  Responsibility  
Directorate -General 
of Livestock Services 
(DGSG)  Responsible for designing, managing and implementing policy on animal health and on 
the protection of food and products of animal origin.  
Checks residues of veterinary medicines and environmental pollutants in agricultural 
facilities (food intake, forag e, veterinary products) and in industrial plants processing 
products of animal origin.  
Responsible for activities relating to the monitoring, prevention, control and eradication 
of diseases relevant to animal health.  
Checks the quality and composition of  food and products of animal origin.  
Formulates and updates the legal framework for the regulation of animal health, 
veterinary public health, food safety and products of animal origin.  
Checks and certifies the health and hygiene conditions under which  animals, genetic 
material, products of animal origin and inputs for use in animal health and production 
are imported and exported.  
Carries out laboratory analysis to diagnose, prevent and combat animal diseases and 
zoonoses.  
Checks and registers inpu ts for use in animal health and production.  
Approves, registers and monitors diagnosis and clinical analysis laboratories.  
Supervises the importation of animals and products of animal origin, through:  
• inspection of animals and products of animal origin  entering Uruguay 
through ports and border posts authorized for the purpose;  
• compulsory quarantine (in a quarantine station) for animals from overseas;  
• an import ban when goods of animal origin come from a country where 
there are contagious diseases or whe re the necessary precautionary 
measures are not taken.  
Directorate -General 
of Agricultural 
Services (DGSA)  Responsible for phytosanitary protection.  
Organizes, develops and implements phytosanitary policies concerning the quality and 
safety of plant foods and the quality and control of agricultural inputs, animal feed and 
plant products.  
Facilitates and organizes the marketing of grains.  
Checks the quality and composition of animal feed.  
 Controls the import, export and registration of agricultural inputs.  
Directorate -General 
of Food Safety 
Control (DIGECIA)  Advises on the formulation and planning of policies concerning the safety of food for 
human and animal consumption.  
Coordinates and implements policies in the area of biosecurity, animal health control 
and phytosanitary control of persons, baggage, packages and vehicles entering the 
country by any means of transport.  
National Directorate 
of Aquatic 
Resources (DINARA)  Sets standards for the fisheries sector and fishery products.  
Source:  Annex to Decree No. 290/013 of 9  September  2013. Viewed at: 
http://www.impo.com.uy/diariooficial/2013/11/01/111 . 
                                                
104 Law No.  3.606 of 13  April 1910 and Law No.  3.921 of 28  October  1911.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
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  3.127.   The National Directorate of Aquatic Resources (DINARA), through the Fisheries Industry 
Department (DIP), is the authority responsible for health and food safety in respect of fishery and 
aquaculture products, issuing the relevant certificates at the national and international level. The 
DIP's core mission is to  ensure the safety of fishery products, guaranteeing compliance with the 
regulations issued by the international reference organizations for sanitary standards. The DIP 
carries out inspections and grants sanitary certificates for the approval of facilities  used in the 
production process and for the performance and/or certification of the analyses required for exports 
and imports of live fishery products and aquaculture resources. It also handles the design and 
management of programmes for the prevention, mo nitoring and control of diseases affecting aquatic 
animals.  
3.128.   The fundamental purpose of the Directorate -General of Food Safety Control (DIGECIA), set 
up in 2015, is to coordinate and implement policies on biodiversity and on animal health and 
phytosanitary control, and to advise the minister on formulating and planning policies concerning 
the safety of food for human and animal consumption. The DIGECIA is also charged with 
incorporating risk analysis in biosecurity, animal and plant health and food safety de cision -making 
within the scope of the MGAP, in order to prevent live animals or plants or products, by -products 
and derivatives of animal or plant origin that do not meet the prevailing sanitary and phytosanitary 
requirements from entering the national ter ritory. The DIGECIA is responsible for coordination with 
other entities on sanitary barriers, food safety and living genetically modified organisms.105 
3.129.   In the area of food safety, the DIGECIA is tasked with formulating cross -cutting policies in 
order to upda te and reinforce controls guaranteeing the safety of the agri -food system and to bring 
them into line with the latest international standards. For food of animal or plant origin and for the 
primary production stage and some processing stages (depending on the chain), responsibility for 
formulating and implementing safety policies reverts to the DINARA, the DGSG, the DGSA or the 
Directorate -General of Farms (DIGEGRA), as appropriate.  
3.130.   The National Biosafety Board (GNBio) is responsible for regulating genetica lly modified plant 
organisms (GMPOs) and coordinates risk assessment.106 Genetically modified plants and parts 
thereof, in whatever form, may only be introduced, used or handled with prior authorization, granted 
by the Board on a case -by-case basis, taking i nto account the results of the corresponding stages of 
risk assessment and risk management in respect of the environment, biodiversity, human health, 
animal and plant health and socio -economic aspects. The procedure for requesting authorization to 
introduc e, use or handle genetically modified plant organisms and a list of GMPO applications 
currently being examined in Uruguay can be viewed online.107  
3.131.   The DGSA is the MGAP service that acts as the National Plant Protection Organization (ONPF) 
in Uruguay. The ON PF is responsible for proposing the phytosanitary regulations to govern 
agricultural production and the export and import of plants and plant products. Phytosanitary 
measures are determined on the basis of pest risk analysis in accordance with the internat ional 
regulations under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).  
3.132.   The DGSG is responsible for ensuring the hygiene and health condition of food and products 
of animal origin for human consumption, both at the national level and internationally.  The DGSG 
follows the guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as a basis for formulating 
and updating the legal and regulatory framework for activities associated with animal health, 
veterinary public health and the protection of food and products of animal origin, as well as for 
checking and certifying the health and hygiene conditions under which animals, genetic material, 
products of animal origin and inputs for use in animal health and production are imported and 
exported.  
3.133.   Setting s tandards for the fisheries sector and fishery products is the responsibility of the 
DINARA. These standards apply to fishery products for human or animal consumption, as well as 
                                                
105 Article 273 of Law No.  19.355 of 19  December 2015.  
106 Decree  No. 353 of 21  July 2008, and its amending texts in Decrees No.  535 and No.  280 of 
3 November  2008 and 8  June 2009, respectively.  
107 Request for authorization. Online information viewed at: 
http://www2.mgap.gub.uy/portal/page.aspx?2,gnbio,gnbio -procedimientos -de-solicitud -de-
autorizacion,O,es,0 . List of applications currently under examination. Online information viewed at: 
http://www2.mgap.gub.uy/portal/page.aspx?2,gnbio,gnbio -ogms -autorizados -en-uruguay,O,es,0 . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
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  their processing, storage, transport and marketing. The regulations and contro ls applied by the 
DINARA follow the guidelines laid down, inter alia , by the FAO/WHO and the Codex Alimentarius.  
3.134.   The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRREE) is responsible for notifying phytosanitary and animal 
health measures to the WTO Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. During the period 
2012-2017, Uruguay submitted 13 notifications to the Committee (excluding addenda).108 These 
measures apply to all of Uruguay's trading partners. Most of them are based on international 
standards; in two cases on ly, Uruguay indicates that there is no relevant international standard or 
that they deviate from international regulations.109 Some of the measures notified to the Committee 
were adopted for the sole purpose of protecting animal health, but most of them have  multiple 
purposes, aiming both to preserve food safety and to protect animal health and Uruguayan territory 
from harmful pests.  
3.135.   The DGSA, in collaboration with the DGSG, supervises the entry of products within its 
jurisdiction at the borders. Since its es tablishment in 2015, the DIGECIA has been in charge of 
border control of passengers, baggage and vehicles. The entry into Uruguay of products of animal 
or plant origin or animal feed containing levels of biological residues or other environmental 
pollutant s exceeding those prescribed in the national regulations or in the Codex Alimentarius, as 
appropriate, may be prohibited.110 Exports of such products may also be controlled and prohibited 
for the same reasons, or if they do not comply with the standards requ ired by the countries of 
destination.  
3.3.4   Competition policy and price controls  
3.3.4.1   Competition policy  
3.136.   There have been no major changes in terms of the legislation governing competition policy 
in Uruguay since its last trade policy review in 2012. The competition legislation in force is still the 
Law on the Protection of Free Competition in Trade (Law No.  18.159 of 20  July 2007) and its 
implementing regulations (Decree No.  404/007 of 29  October  2007).  
3.137.   The law provides that all Uruguayan or foreign public or private  natural or legal persons 
engaged in economic activities, whether or not for profit, on Uruguayan territory must follow the 
principles of free competition. Anyone engaging in economic activities abroad is subject to the same 
requirements, insofar as the ac tivities in question have total or partial effect in Uruguay.  
3.138.   The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Competition (CPDC), set up in 2009 
within the Ministry of the Economy and Finance (MEF), is the authority responsible for applying the 
Law on t he Protection of Free Competition in Trade.111 The Commission performs two types of 
function s: promoting competition, and curbing anti -competitive practices. To fulfil these functions, 
the Commission is vested with several powers under the law (Box  3.1). 
                                                
108 WTO documents G/SPS/N/URY/17 -29, from 4  April 2012 to 5  September  2017.  
109 WTO documents G/SPS/N/URY/29 and G/SPS/N/URY/17 of 5  September  2017 and 4  April 2012, 
respectively.  
110 Law No.  18.719 of 27  December  2010.  
111 Government Resolution No.  690/09.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
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  Box 3.1 Functions of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Competition  
The functions of the CPDC are as follows:  
 
• to investigate the operation of markets and possible anti -competitive practices (reported instances 
or ex officio ); 
• to require any person to collaborate with investigations by supplying all the relevant information at 
their disposal.  
• to receive information on economic concentration and, where appropriate, authori ze an investigation 
where the former gives rise to a monopoly. As at March  2018, no case of economic concentration 
creating a monopoly had arisen;  
• to promote competition values, through information and training;  
• to advise individuals and public agencies on  competition rules and their application in specific cases;  
• to issue general and specific instructions to organize competition;  
• to sanction anti -competitive practices;  
• to maintain relations with other domestic or international competition protection bodies , and 
participate in international forums where competition issues are discussed.  
Source:  Online information from the CPDC, viewed at: http://competencia.mef.gub.uy/578/5/areas/defensa -
de-la-competencia ---uruguay.html . 
3.139.   The CPDC applies the Law on the Promotion and Protection of Competition in all sectors of 
the economy, except those which have dedicated regulatory bodies that discharge th is responsibility. 
These bodies are: the Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU), the Energy and Water Services Regulatory 
Authority (URSEA), and the Communications Services Regulatory Unit (URSEC).112 The scope of 
these regulatory bodies as regards protection of comp etition covers activities that take place in 
markets vertically or horizontally connected with the markets under their control and regulation. 
These bodies conduct non -binding consultations with the CPDC. During the period 2012 -2017, seven 
cases relating t o competition were brought before the URSEA; in one of them, it was determined 
that the competent authority was the CPDC rather than the URSEA. In the same period, five cases 
were submitted to the BCU (Table 3.21 ). 
Table 3.21 Cases relating to competition brought before the various regulatory bodies, 
2012 –2017  
Product  Complaint  Outcome  
URSEA    
Liquefied petroleum gas  Contractual clauses potentially affecting 
competition.  Clauses in question to be revised.  
Liquid fuels  Discounts potentially affecting 
competition.  Complaint not deemed material.  
Liquid fuels  Notification of concentration.  Analysed without comment.  
Natural gas  Notification of concentration.  Case still under study in March  2018.  
Liquefied petroleum gas  Possible discriminatory treatment of a 
competitor in packaging.  Case still under study in March  2018.  
Electricity  Verification by the regulator of 
electricity contracts in the wholesale 
market prior to their registration.  Comment formulated on some of the contracts 
to be acted upon prior to their approval.  
Drinking water  Alleged anti -competitive practices in a 
bidding process for the State Sanitary 
Works (OSE) provider.  Ruling that the competent authority for the case 
was the CPDC, rather th an the URSEA.  
BCU   
Credit cards  Sanctions on trading with a discount for 
cash purchases.  Complaint dismissed.  
Ruling that this was not a prohibited practice.  
Credit cards  Hotels against credit cards on account 
of level of fees.  Complaint dismissed.  
Credit cards  Impeded access to the network of sales 
terminals (machine needed to process 
payment).  Case set aside on account of withdrawal of the 
complainant. The relevant regulatory body for 
this is now the URSEC.  
                                                
112 The URSEA regulates the following: electricity and solar thermal power, fuels , natural gas, agrofuels, 
drinking water and sanitation. The URSEC regulates the following services: posts, fixed telecommunications, 
mobile telecommunications, international telephony, broadcasting, pay -TV, satellite facilities, wireless alarms, 
radio tax i, wireless messaging and community repeaters, and maintains the register of re -sellers.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 78 - 
  Product  Complaint  Outcome  
Banks  Anti-competitive practices in the bill 
payment market.  Preventive measures adopted; case not yet 
completed as at March  2018.  
Foreign -exchange market  Anti-competitive practices.  Case still under study in March  2018.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.140.   Uruguayan law prohibits abuse of a dominant position as well as all practices, conduct or 
recommendations, whether individual or concerted, whose effect or purpose is to restrict, limit, 
impede, distort or prevent current or future competition in the relevant market. The Commissi on 
may initiate an investigation of its own accord when it considers that anti -competitive practices 
might be taking place or emerging in a market (Box  3.2). Any national or foreign public or private 
natural or legal person may report the existence of such  practices, without prejudice to the ex officio  
investigation. The complaint must be filed with the Commission in writing, describing in precise 
terms the alleged anti -competitive conduct known to the complainant, identifying the responsible 
parties and pr oviding all evidence for the case.  
Box 3.2 Expressly prohibited anti -competitive practices  
Pursuant to the Law on the Promotion and Protection of Competition, the following anti -competitive practices 
are express ly prohibited:  
• Directly or indirectly setting or imposing purchase or sale prices or other transaction conditions in 
an abusive manner.  
• Unjustifiably limiting, restricting or agreeing on the production, distribution or technological 
development of goods, s ervices or factors of production to the detriment of competitors or 
consumers.  
• Unjustifiably applying unequal conditions to third parties for equivalent services, thereby placing 
them at a serious disadvantage in relation to the competition.  
• Making contrac ts subject to the acceptance of complementary or supplementary obligations which, 
by their nature or in terms of commercial usage, do not bear any relation to the purpose of the 
contracts.  
• Colluding to participate in or abstain from public or private tende rs or competitive bidding processes.  
• Impeding competitors' access to essential infrastructure for the production, distribution or marketing 
of goods, services or factors of production.  
• Unjustifiably impeding market access for potential new entrants.  
• Unjust ifiably establishing areas or activities where one or more economic agents operate with 
exclusivity, such that others refrain from operating therein.  
• Unjustifiably refusing the sale of goods or provision of services.  
• Any of the aforementioned practices, wh ere they are carried out through business associations of 
economic agents.  
Source:  Decree No.  404/007 of 29  October  2007.  
3.141.   When the Commission receives a complaint, or when it undertakes an investigation on its 
own initiative, and before taking decisions a nd handing down any sanctions, it must gather 
information and analyse various aspects of the case. Although the points analysed are not the same 
in all cases, the main items to be investigated are: (a) whether the complaint falls within the scope 
of protec tion of competition; (b) definition of the relevant market; (c) the market power effectively 
enjoyed by the company under investigation; (d) the existence of the alleged anti -competitive 
practice; and (e) the real or potential positive or negative impact o f an anti -competitive practice for 
society.  
3.142.   In the period 2012 -2017, a total of 46 complaints of anti -competitive practices were lodged 
with the Commission; no cases were initiated ex officio . The complaints related to practices such as 
collusion, tied sal es, predatory pricing and restricting the provision of services. The practices 
investigated concerned both goods markets (livestock, meat, milk, beer and construction materials) 
and services markets (financial, port and distribution services). Of the 40 in vestigations concluded 
by March  2018, in 28 cases the alleged anti -competitive conduct was not confirmed; in six cases the 
Commission issued a recommendation; in four cases it ordered cessation of the practice and WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 79 - 
  sanctioned the offender; and in one case i t did not proceed with the investigation, deeming that the 
competent body was the URSEC (Table A3.5).  
3.143.   Uruguayan law allows sanctions to be reduced when enterprises cooperate in cases of cartel 
arrangements. Enterprises which have participated in an illegal  agreement may benefit from a 
leniency programme. When an illegal agreement is reported, the Commission has the power to 
reduce sanctions or exonerate the reporting party. In 2014, a cartel was sanctioned in the market 
for tomato -based processed products, which consisted in carving up the market and sharing 
production among five companies. One of the enterprises requested to benefit from the leniency 
programme and was exonerated from the penalties.  
3.144.   Pursuant to the legislation in force, any act of economic concentration must be notified, by 
means of a note addressed to the Commission, ten days prior to conclusion of the contract, when 
the operation would result in a market share of 50% or more in the relevant market or when the 
combined annual gross turnover  of the parties in Uruguay in any of the past three financial years 
has been equal to or greater than 750  million UI (around Ur$2,888  million or US$100  million as at 
April 2018).113 Notification of concentration is not required in the following cases: the acquisition of 
companies in which the buyer already held at least 50% of the shares; the purchase of bonds, 
debentures or any other debt security of the company, or shares without v oting rights; the 
acquisition of a single company by a single foreign company that did not previously own assets or 
shares in other companies in the country; or the acquisition of companies that are bankrupt or have 
not recorded any activity in the country  in the past year . A total of 38 concentrations were notified 
during the period 2012 -2017.  
3.145.   Failure to notify a concentration is considered under the law as an offence liable to monetary 
sanctions. The punishment for omitting to notify may be up to 1% of th e companies' annual gross 
turnover for each of the offenders.114 In addition, offenders may receive fines of up to 20  million UI.  
3.146.   While the regulations governing protection of competition and those governing consumer 
protection both serve to support consumer s, consumer protection in Uruguay is handled by the 
Consumer Protection Section of the Directorate -General of Trade. The Section ensures that 
companies provide the consumer with proper information, that contracts are fulfilled and do not 
entail any abuse o f the consumer, and in general that consumer rights are respected. It normally 
intervenes in conflicts between specific companies and consumers.  
3.3.4.2   Price controls  
3.147.   In general, prices in Uruguay are set by the market. Nevertheless, the Ministry of the 
Economy a nd Finance (MEF) has the administrative authority to regulate prices of goods and services 
produced by private entities, except in the case of prices of agricultural and fishery products 
marketed in their natural state. Likewise, the MEF sets the tariffs f or the supply of electricity, water, 
piped gas and fixed telephony, at the initiative of the responsible State enterprise concerned. Some 
goods and services are subject to ceiling prices, for example fuel and specified port services; in other 
cases prices are fixed, as is the case for airport usage fees.  
3.148.   Uruguayan law does not allow price regulation for property or for exported products. Nor 
may prices be regulated for transactions involving securities listed on the stock exchange or goods 
or services put o ut to public tender.115 
3.149.   During the period under review, administered prices were applied to pasteurized liquid milk 
packaged for sale to the public without additives. Basic contribution for medical services, public 
transport and taxi fares, as well as toll f ees were also subject to price control under a price ceiling 
adjustment policy.  
                                                
113 Acts of economic concentration include operations involving a change in the control structure of the 
participating companies through: company mergers; the acquisitio n of corporate equities, equity interest or 
shares; the acquisition of commercial, industrial or civil establishments; the total or partial acquisition of 
business assets; and any other kind of legal transactions that involve the full or partial transfer o f control of 
economic units or companies.  
114 Article 39 of Decree No.  404/007 of 29  October  2007.  
115 Decree -Law No.  14.791 of 21  June 1978.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
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  3.3.5   State trading, s tate-owned enterprises and privatization  
3.150.   Public enterprises continue to play a leading role in Uruguay's economy, chiefly in the 
services sector (Table A3.6). T hey generated some 7.1% of GDP in 2016 (latest available figure) 
and operate in the financial services, transport, telecommunications and posts, electricity, and water 
and sanitation subsectors. These enterprises belong entirely to the State. Their number has not 
changed significantly since 2012, insofar as no new state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have been 
created and only one, the airline company PLUNA E.A., was liquidated in 2017.116 According to 
information provided by the authorities, the functions of the o ther SOEs have not undergone any 
substantial changes. SOEs are entitled to own subsidiaries in which the private sector also has a 
stake (Table A3.7).  
3.151.   Pursuant to the provisions of Article 221 of the Constitution of the Republic, State industrial 
or commer cial entities must draft their own budgets and submit them to the Government and the 
Court of Auditors. The Court gives an opinion and the Government, with the advice of the Planning 
and Budget Office (OPP), may make comments. If the enterprise accepts the  comments, its budget 
is transmitted to the Government for approval and inclusion in the national budget. If the enterprise 
does not accept the OPP's comments, the proposal must be discussed and approved in the General 
Assembly, in joint session of both it s houses, ruling by a two -thirds majority of its full membership. 
In the absence of a decision by the General Assembly within 40 days, the budget is considered 
adopted, with the Government's comments. In general, SOEs do not enjoy any tax exemptions, 
excep t in regard to investment in water and sanitation infrastructure financed with loans from 
international agencies.117 
3.152.   In 2013, Uruguay notified the WTO that the only SOE covered by the provisions of 
Article  XVII of the GATT 1994 is the National Fuel, Alcohol and Portland Cement Authority 
(ANCAP).118 The ANCAP enjoys exclusive right to import and refine crude petroleum and its 
by-products. It also has the right to import and export liquid, semi -liquid and gaseous fuels when 
State refineries produce at least 50% o f the country's gasoline  consumption.119 The quantities of 
imports of crude petroleum and by -products are determined by domestic demand. The volume of 
exports of petroleum by -products depends on the competitiveness of the enterprise and stocks 
available. The  prices of products produced by the enterprise are fixed by the Government upon the 
ANCAP's recommendation. The private sector may participate in the distribution of fuel.  
3.153.   A further objective of the ANCAP is to manufacture and import low -priced fuels for m otor 
vehicles and agricultural machinery. Such fuels are not subject to import duties or internal taxes. 
The ANCAP must take the necessary measures to ensure that only farmers benefit from the lower 
price.  
3.154.   As far as cement production is concerned, the ANCA P's Portland Cement division has 
two plants (Portland CPN -40 and Ancaplast) and a distribution and logistics hub. The ANCAP markets 
Portland cement through Cementos del Plata, a company belonging to the ANCAP Group.  
3.3.6   Government procurement  
3.155.   Uruguay has not s igned the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement and does not 
participate as an observer in the WTO Committee on Government Procurement.  
3.156.   Government procurement in Uruguay is regulated to a large extent by the Harmonized Text 
of the Law on Accounting and F inancial Administration of the State (TOCAF), which is a compilation 
of the relevant domestic regulations.120 There are also several laws and decrees that periodically 
                                                
116 Law No.  19.572 of 15  December  2017.  
117 Information provided by the authorities.  
118 WTO documents  G/STR/N/4/URY, G/STR/ N/7/URY, G/STR/N/10/URY, G/STR/N/11/URY, 
G/STR/N/12/URY and G/STR/N/13/URY, of 12  July 2013.  
119 Products classified under codes HS 27.09, HS 27.10 and HS 27.11 (Law No. 8.764 of 
15 October  1931).  
120 The most recent version of the Harmonized Text of the Law o n Accounting and Financial 
Administration (TOCAF) was approved by Decree No.  50/012 of 11  May 2012, superseding the Harmonized 
Text on Accounting and Financial Administration with Relevant and Supplementary Provisions, approved by 
Decree No.  194/997 of 10  June 1997.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
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  update and regulate the various provisions of the TOCAF. Since it was last amended in 2012 , the 
TOCAF has been updated annually by means of the Law on the Budget and Accounting Report.121 
The TOCAF governs the purchase of goods, the procurement of services and the execution of works 
by all centralized and decentralized State institutions, with th e sole exception of state-owned 
enterprises (SOEs) whose statutes provide for a special procurement regime.122 All SOEs except the 
National Electricity Plants and Transmission Authority (UTE) are subject to the TOCAF. The UTE, in 
accordance with its charter,  is authorized to procure directly or with prior authorization from the 
Government.  
3.157.   In Uruguay, government procurement processes are open to all domestic or foreign natural 
and legal persons. Foreigners may take part in government procurement procedures wi thout any 
restriction or specific requirements.123 
3.158.   During the period under review, Uruguay pursued the reform of government procurement 
launched in 2011, aimed at streamlining procedures, making them more efficient and reducing the 
costs involved. Consequent ly, Uruguay began using some procurement methods that had not 
previously been provided for in the regulations, such as auctions, reverse auctions, downward 
bidding ( pregón ) and framework agreements.124 
3.159.   Within the parameters set by the TOCAF, the government p rocurement regime in Uruguay 
is essentially decentralized as far as the procurement process is concerned, although an effort has 
been made to harmonize procedures. In 2012, functions were assigned to the Government 
Purchasing and Procurement Agency (ACCE),  set up by Law No.  18.362 of 6  October  2008.125 Its 
responsibilities include: (i) advising the Government and its subsidiary bodies on government 
procurement and, through agreements, the other State entities; (ii) compiling and managing the 
Single Register o f State Suppliers (RUPE); (iii) training public entities in government procurement 
regulations, the use of simple and uniform criteria and good practices applicable to procurement; 
(iv) developing and managing the State purchasing and procurement website; (v) drawing up 
procedural manuals and suggesting activities to help make procurement processes more efficient; 
and (vi) imposing sanctions and fines in the event of infringement of the regulations.126 In 2016, the 
ACCE drew up a Government Procurement Manual  as an online tool available to bidders and 
buyers.127 
3.160.   During the review period, changes were also introduced concerning use of the RUPE and the 
Government Purchasing and Procurement System (SICE), a computerized platform for managing 
government procurement set up in 2002, which handles, among other things, calls or invitations to 
tender, the receipt of bids, and the award of contracts.128 Since 2013, any party interested in selling 
to or contracting with the State must be registered in the RUPE.129 Similarly, si nce 2012, all 
invitations to tender for works, goods or services for all public entities (both Central Government 
and autonomous entities and decentralized services) have to be published on the ACCE website.130 
3.161.   To initiate a government procurement procedure,  authorization must be obtained from the 
official responsible for procurement in the contracting entity, called the "authorizing officer". The law 
further requires that an advisory commission on procurement be established within each contracting 
                                                
121 During the period under review, the TOCAF was amended by the following laws: Law No.  18.996 
(Budget and Accounting Report for 2011) of 7  November  2012, Law No.  19.149 (Budget and Accounting Report 
for 2012) of 24  October  2013, Law No.  19.355 ( Budget and Accounting Report for 2014) of 19  December  2015 
and Law No.  19.438 (Budget and Accounting Report for 2015) of 14  October  2016.  
122 The State entities governed by the TOCAF are: the three branches of government, the Court of 
Auditors, the Administr ative Court, the Electoral Court, departmental governments, autonomous entities, 
decentralized services and all government administrations in general.  
123 Article 46 of the TOCAF.  
124 Decree No.  42/015 of 27  January  2015 and Decree No.  196/015 of 20  July 2015.  
125 Law No. 18.834 of 4  November  2011.  
126 Article 150 of the TOCAF, as amended by Law No.  19.355 of 19  December  2015.  
127 The Government Procurement Manual may be viewed online at: 
https://www.comprasestatales.gub.uy/ManualesDeUsuarios/manual -procedimiento -compras/Manual.html . 
128 Decree No.  275/013 of 3  September  2013 (Regulations governing the introduction of electronic 
methods) and Decree No.  155/013 of 21  May 2013 (Regulations governing the RUPE).  
129 Article 76 of the TOCAF.  
130 They are published on the following website: www.comprasestatales.gub.uy . Article 50 of the TOCAF 
(as amended by Article 29 of Law No.  19.355 of 19  December  2015).  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
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  entity to assess the bids submitted for any contracts involving amounts above a threshold of 
Ur$1.5  million, except in cases of direct or exceptional procurement.131 
3.162.   As a general rule, government procurement in Uruguay is conducted by means of an open 
tendering proced ure or other competitive process, unless the amount involved is below a specified 
threshold or certain exceptions apply.132 The abridged tendering procedure is employed when the 
value of the contract does not exceed Ur$5  million, or Ur$30  million for autonom ous or state-owned 
industrial and commercial decentralized services (expanded abridged tendering procedure) (TOCAF, 
Article 44).133 The direct procurement method is used when the amount involved does not exceed 
Ur$250,000, or Ur$750, 000 for autonomous entiti es or s tate-owned industrial and commercial 
decentralized services (expanded direct procurement) (TOCAF, Article  44).134 Moreover, the law 
allows the use of other methods, such as direct procurement as an exception; since 2015, the 
downward bidding or pregón  and auction procedures, framework agreements and special procedures 
have also been used. The criterion for awarding the contract is, in all cases, the bid that best matches 
the Government's interests (TOCAF, Article  68). 
3.163.   In specific "exceptional" cases, d irect procurement or some other method may be used. The 
relevant body exercises its discretion in selecting what it considers to be the most suitable 
mechanism. It is considered to be an "exceptional case" when an open tender, an abridged tender 
or an auct ion is declared void, or when the bids submitted are inadmissible or patently unsuitable. 
The TOCAF lists 37 exceptional cases, such as: purchase of goods or services exclusively 
manufactured or supplied by a single entity for which there are no substitute s; purchase of crude 
petroleum and its derivatives; or contracting of goods or services for scientific research. "Exceptional 
cases" are also deemed to include situations of scarcity and emergencies of any kind.135 
3.164.   In 2015, Uruguay began using the downward b idding or pregón  procedure, a type of 
e-auction where bidders compete by offering decreasing prices during a set period determined in 
advance and known to all.136 Downward bidding may be used when the contract has a precise, 
tangible and easily identifiable purpose. The law requires that the call for tenders be published in 
the SICE at least ten days before the date set for the bidding.137 The criterion for awarding the 
contract is the lowest price. By employing this procedure, the ACCE is seeking to increase 
transparency (bidders can see the other bids in real time), enhance competition (bidders may 
improve their bids in real time), and save time and resources in org anizing the process.138 According 
to the authorities, the downward bidding procedure has not been used very often, namely 18 times 
between 2015 and March  2018, for a narrow range of standard products.  
3.165.   The auction procedure may be used when it saves resources  for the contracting entity and 
if the contract is for a precise, tangible and easily identifiable purpose.139 The auction may be 
conventional or electronic, and the invitation must be published on the SICE website and in a national 
newspaper at least 15 day s before the date on which it is scheduled to be held.140 
3.166.   Since 2015, public entities may use the framework agreement procedure for contracts 
relating to goods, works or services commonly used in government departments.141 Framework 
agreements serve to optimiz e the use of resources, since publication of the tender and its 
                                                
131 This threshold is updated in line with the consumer price index (CPI). The up -to-date thre sholds may 
be viewed online at: https://www.comprasestatales.gub.uy/inicio/normativa/montos -adquisiciones/montos -
adquisiciones . 
132 Article 33, fir st clause, of the TOCAF.  
133 The autonomous and state-owned industrial and commercial decentralized services are: ANTEL, ANP, 
ANC, OSE, ANV, ANCAP, UTE, AFE, INC, BCU, BROU, BSE, BHU and BPS.  
134 The thresholds used to determine which of the different methods is to be used are updated in line 
with the consumer price index (CPI) (TOCAF, Article 156).  
135 Article 33 of the TOCAF.  
136 Decree No. 196/015 of 20  July 2015 (Regulations governing the downward bidding ( pregón ) 
procedure).  
137 Article 54 of the TOCAF.  
138 ACCE, Memoria Anual , p. 3. Viewed at: 
http://www.comprasestatales.gub.uy/inicio/institucional/memoria -anual . 
139 Article 35 of the TOCAF.  
140 Ibid., Article 53.  
141 Ibid., Article 36  and Decree No.  42/015 of 27  January  2015 (Regulations governing the framework 
agreement procedure).  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
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  specifications, evaluation of the bids submitted and award of the contract have to be done once only, 
but may benefit all public entities that are party to the agreement.142 
3.167.   The law empowers the  Government , with prior authorization from the Court of Auditors, to 
institute special procurement procedures when it deems appropriate, according to the characteristics 
of the market or of the goods or services in question.143 In 2017, special regimes were adopted for 
the procurement of goods and services for comprehensive medical assistance for a public health 
entity and for the procurement of suppliers of staff transport, materials, equipment and other 
services for a public sanitary works entity.144 
3.168.   Uruguaya n law allows a bidder to file an administrative appeal to challenge the award of a 
government procurement contract. The filing of an appeal suspends execution of the contract 
awarded, save in exceptional cases.  
3.169.   Government procurement has been on the increase since 2014 (Table  3.22). The big jump 
in the amount of government contracts in 2017 is attributable to the fact that purchases of petroleum 
began to be published in the SICE as from that year. In general, open tendering (including abridged 
open te ndering) has been the most widely used procurement method and that which has to be 
employed as a general rule, followed by exceptional procurement and direct procurement. In terms 
of contracts, the largest number of contracts were concluded by the Central Government (which 
includes ministries, offices of the President and all bodies reporting to the Government); in cost 
terms, however, its share was only 11.6% in 2017. This is because most of the contracts in question 
are for small amounts.  
Table 3.22 Government procurement, 2012 -2017  
 2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  
Total government 
procurement (US$  million)  2,432.5  2,457.2  1,626.7  1,844.1  1,988.6  2,870.6  
Central Government (%)  23.2 21.8 28.1 27.1 18.5 11.6 
Total number of contracts  42,374  42,736  44,871  52,614  60,103  66,275  
Central Government (%) 71.3 67.8 62.3 54.1 51.1 48.5 
By categorya (% of total procurement)  
Goods  6.5 15.4 10.1 15.7 10.0 8.6 
Works  6.5 15.5 21.0 25.8 18.8 17.0 
Services  18.6 14.5 26.7 23.3 27.9 27.1 
By method  (US$ million)  
Open tenderingb 958.3  929.8  727.2  799.9  518.3  784.2  
Abridged open tendering  338.0  625.8  403.1  432.0  347.9  381.8  
Direct procurement  107.0  129.3  109.8  223.8  143.5  204.5  
Exceptional procurement  1,029.0  772.2  386.4  387.7  976.5  1,498.0  
Framework agreements  N/A N/A N/A 0.5 0.9 1.1 
Special proceduresc N/A N/A N/A N/A 1.2 0.05 
Downward bidding ( pregón ) N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.1 0.88 
N/A Not applicable.  
a The percentages do not add up to 100% due to the fact that some bodies do not provide a 
breakdown of procurement by category, and also on account of adjustments and/or corrections to 
the data which had not yet been reflected in the SICE at the time of writing.  
b Includes domestic and international tenders.  
c Prior to 2 016, special procedures were classified under exceptional procurement.  
Note:  The figure for total procurement takes into account procurement and contracts by all government 
entities, including departmental governments, autonomous entities and decentralized  services.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.170.   Uruguay continues to use government procurement as a policy tool for promoting domestic 
industry, in particular micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and enterprises devoted to 
technological and scientific innovation. Accordingly, in contracting and procurement by State 
                                                
142 ACCE, Memoria Anual , p. 3. Viewed at: 
http://www.comprasestatales.g ub.uy/inicio/institucional/memoria -anual . 
143 Article 37 of the TOCAF.  
144 Resolution No.  2.333/017 of the State Health Services Authority (ASSE) of 13  June 2017 and 
Resolution No. 895/017 of the State Sanitary Works Authority (OSE) of 25  July 2017.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 84 - 
  authorities, autonomous entities, decentralized services, departmental governments and other 
public bodies, priority is given to goods, services and civil engineering works produced or supplied 
by MSMEs, except in those areas of the pu blic sector which operate in direct competition. The 
percentage of priority given is 20% on the local content share, applicable to an MSME bid when there 
is at least one bid that does not qualify as domestic; and 10% on the local content share, applicable 
to an MSME bid when all the other bids qualify as domestic. The priority in question applies when 
the goods supplied by the MSME have at least 30% local content and there is a change in tariff 
heading.145 
3.171.   In addition, Uruguay implements three preferential re gimes: the Domestic Preference for 
Domestic Industry (PIN) regime, the Government Procurement Programme for Development (PCPD) 
and a new Preferential Regime for Small -Scale Agricultural and Fisheries Production, instituted in 
2015. These preferential regim es are not available for procurement of goods and services by 
autonomous entities and decentralized services operating in the industrial, commercial or financial 
domain that compete with private -sector enterprises.  
3.172.   The PIN regime grants a preference margin  of 8% on the price of goods, services and works 
that qualify as domestic, when direct negotiation or exceptional procedures are used.146 To be 
considered as "domestic", goods, services or works must have at least 35% local content. In the 
case of goods, it is also required that the end product be classified under a different tariff heading 
from that assigned to the imported inputs used to produce it. Since 2013, however, the preference 
margin is also granted, even if they do not meet the tariff heading chang e requirement, to products 
that have the requisite local content (35%) and no more than 10% of imported inputs, and to those 
which have at least 50% local content.147 
3.173.   Within the framework of the PCPD, set up in 2008, special procurement regimes and 
procedure s may be used that are geared to the objectives of developing domestic suppliers, in 
particular MSMEs and small -scale agricultural producers, and stimulating scientific and technological 
development and innovation. Under the rules of this scheme, up to 10%  of total government 
contracting and procurement for goods, services and public works undertaken in the previous 
financial year by public and para -public bodies are to be executed under the terms established in 
the PCPD. Procurement and contracting under t his programme by any one body may not exceed 
20% of the latter's total procurement and contracting in any given financial year.148 
3.174.   To be eligible for the preferences under the PCPD, beneficiaries are required to contribute to 
the development of domestic supp liers, in particular the development of MSMEs and enterprises 
devoted to innovation and to science and technology. In 2017, the PCPD included two regulated 
subprogrammes: the subprogramme for MSMEs and the subprogramme for the pharmaceutical 
industry. Purs uant to the law, the PCPD grants a quota for implementation of the programme, which 
is a maximum of 10% of the value of procurement in the previous year.149 Preference margins for 
participating enterprises may be set within the PCPD subprogrammes.150 
3.175.   The Gover nment Procurement Subprogramme for the Development of MSMEs grants a 
preference of between 8% and 16% (if in addition the PIN regime preference applies) to micro and 
small enterprises and of 4% or 12% to medium enterprises, on the price of goods, services and 
works for contracts relating to supplies, non -personal services and public works. The local content 
and processing requirements to determine the eligibility of enterprises are the same as those applied 
under the PIN regime.151 
3.176.   When participating in a ten der, MSMEs may also opt to explicitly invoke a reserve 
mechanism.152 In this case, the enterprise must bid for at least 10% of the total value of the tender 
                                                
145 Article 46 of Law No. 18.362 of 6  October  2008.  
146 The preference margin is applied: on the price of the goods placed in the buyer's warehouses; on the 
price of the service provided by domestic suppliers; or on the cost of domestic labour and materials (Article  58 
of the TOCAF).  
147 Decrees No.  13/009 of 13  January  2009 and No.  164/013 of 28  May 2013.  
148 Article  43 of Law No.  18.362 of 6  October  2008.  
149 Law No. 18.362 of 6  October  2008.  
150 Article 59 of the TOCAF.  
151 Decree No.  371/010 (Regulations governing the Governme nt Procurement Subprogramme for the 
Development of MSMEs) of 14  December  2010.  
152 Article  43 of Law No.  18.362 of 6  October  2008.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 85 - 
  concerned. The 10% reserve is awarded to the best bid from among the MSMEs which invoked the 
mechanis m, except where the best bid is at least 16% higher in terms of unit price than the best of 
the bids for the total tender amount (including those benefiting from the PIN regime).  
3.177.   The Government Procurement Subprogramme for the Pharmaceutical Industry was 
instituted in 2014. It prescribes a 10% market reserve for procurement whose value per item, in 
each call, does not exceed the maximum value set for the abridged tender, and as long as, at a 
comparable level, the bid is not 16% or more above the best bid. T his scheme is open to domestic 
industries in the pharmaceutical sector which produce medicines or medical diagnosis instruments 
or supply services related to the sector.153 The local content and processing requirements to 
determine the eligibility of enterpr ises are the same as those applied under the other preferential 
regimes.  
3.178.   Two other government procurement subprogrammes are planned under the PCPD: the 
Subprogramme for the Development of Small -Scale Agricultural Producers and the Subprogramme 
for Scientif ic and Technological Development and Innovation, whose regulation and implementation 
are still pending.  
3.179.   The new Preferential Regime for Small -Scale Agricultural and Fisheries Production was 
introduced in 2015.154 This regime is open to small -scale producers that belong to an approved 
organization.155 It provides for a 30% market reserve for centralized procurement and 100% for 
decentralized procurement.156 The regime is applicable to small -scale fishery products in their 
natural state and to processed foods which  have been produced with raw materials from approved 
organizations. The selling price of goods put up for tender may not exceed certain limits: in general, 
they may not be more than 40% higher than the prices recorded by the Farming Observatory (Model 
Market Administration Commission, Directorate -General of Farms). If the products are not recorded 
by the Observatory, the food products put up for tender may not be sold at a price exceeding the 
INE's average CPI price for the previous month. For goods outside  the remit of the aforementioned 
institutions, the ceiling price is determined by the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries.157 
3.3.7   Intellectual property rights  
3.180.   Protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in Uruguay is chiefly governed by the 
Copyright Law of 1937 and amendments thereto; the Trademark Law of 1998; and the Patent Law 
of 1999.158 The Trademark Law and the Patent Law underwent some minor adjustments during the 
period under review.159 
3.181.   Uruguay is a member of the World Intellectual Propert y Organization (WIPO) and is party to 
several WIPO -administered international agreements.160 On 1 December  2014, Uruguay ratified the 
Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works by Visually Impaired Persons and Persons 
with Print Disabilities.161 
                                                
153 Decree No.  13/009 of 13  January  2009, Decree No.  164/013 of 28  May 2013 and Decree 
No. 194/014 of 11  July 2014.  
154 Law No.  19.292 of 16  December  2014.  
155 An approved organization is any organization comprising at least five agricultural producers, of which 
at least 70% must be family farmers and/or small -scale fishermen. Family farmers must have enterprises 
registered with the Dir ectorate -General of Rural Development in the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and 
Fisheries (Article 5 of Law No.  19.292 of 16  December  2014).  
156 Centralized procurement refers to purchases where one body contracts on behalf and at the behest 
of other bod ies, the latter being those that require the products or services. Decentralized procurement refers 
to purchases that a body makes for its own sourcing.  
157 Article 4 of Decree No. 86/015 of 27  February  2015.  
158 Copyright Law No. 9.739 of 17  December  1937 (as amended by Law No.  17.616 of 
10 January  2003), Trademark Law No. 17.011 of 25  September  1998 and Law on Patents, Utility Models and 
Industrial Designs of 2  September  1999.  
159 The amendmen ts were made by Law N o. 19.149 of 24 October  2013 and Law No. 19.355 of 
19 December 2015 . 
160 A full list of the agreements can be viewed in WTO document  WT/TPR/S/263/Rev.1 of 9  May 2012.  
161 Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works by Visually Impaired Persons and Persons w ith Print 
Disabilities, adopted in Marrakesh on 27  June 2013.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 86 - 
  3.3.7.1   Industrial property  
3.182.   The National Directorate of Industrial Property (DNPI), which comes under the Ministry of 
Industry, Energy and Mining (MIEM), has exclusive responsibility for the management, protection 
and design of government policy on industrial prop erty in Uruguay. The DNPI keeps the registers of 
patents, trademarks and appellations of origin, and rules on annulment, administrative appeals and 
objections in relation to those registers.  
3.183.   Table 3.23  summarizes registration activity for the principal cat egories of industrial property 
during the period 2012 -2017. In the case of patents, the difference between the numbers of patent 
applications and patents granted is explained in part by the length of time required to examine 
patent applications.  
Table 3.23 Industrial property indicators, 2012 -2017  
 Residents  Non-residents  Total  
Patents     
Applications  
Granted  175 
19 3,520  
111 3,695  
130 
Utility models     
Applications  
Granted  189 
64 65 
22 254 
86 
Industrial designs     
Applications  
Granted  96 
66 386 
295 482 
361 
Layout -designs of integrated circuits     
Applications  
Granted  0 
0 0 
0 0 
0 
Trademarks     
Applications  
Granted  13,311  
12,867  20,801  
20,928  39,112  
33,795  
Appellations of origin     
Applications  
Granted  0 
0 13 
1 13 
1 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.3.7.1.1   Patents and utility models  
3.184.   Patents, utility models and industrial designs are regulated by the Patent Law and its 
implementing regulations (Decree N o. 11/000).162 Patents may be held by domestic or foreign 
natural or legal persons. The law guarantees national treatment and right of priority under 
international patent treaties that Uruguay has ratified. Where there is no treaty, foreigners enjoy 
the same rights as n ationals, although national treatment may be confined to countries that grant 
Uruguay reciprocity in this regard.  
3.185.   Patents confer on holders the right to prevent third parties from manufacturing a product or 
using a process protected by the patent without t heir prior consent (Table A3.8). Part or all of the 
economic rights given by a patent or patent application may be transferred. The economic rights 
stemming from an invention made within the framework of an employment, works or service 
contract for researc h belong to the employer, unless otherwise stipulated by the employer and the 
employee.163 
3.186.   To obtain a patent, it has to be recorded in the relevant register by means of an application 
to the DNPI.164 Once the application has been filed and the formal review o f the patent application 
has been completed, it is published in the Industrial Property Bulletin (BPI), 18 months after the 
date of filing. At the applicant's request, the application may be published earlier. As from the 
publication, a period of 60 days i s allowed for objections from third parties. After expiry of this 
period, the DNPI carries out a substantive examination and gives the applicant its comments or 
requests additional documentation. The applicant has 90 days in which to comply. This deadline may 
be extended at the applicant's request or if new elements arise. Once all the formalities and 
                                                
162 Law No.  17.164 (Patent Law) of 29  September  1999 and Decree No.  11/000 of 13  January  2000.  
163 Article 18 of the Patent Law.  
164 Article 22 of the Patent Law contains the list of documents require d to file an application.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 87 - 
  requirements have been completed, the DNPI grants or denies the patent. The procedure is similar 
for granting protection for utility models and industrial des igns, except that the time -frame for 
publication in the Bulletin for industrial designs is 12 months. As at the beginning of 2015, the 
average time taken to grant a patent was 14 years; by 2017, it was down to ten years.  
3.187.   There are some restrictions on exer cise of the rights conferred by the granting of a patent. 
Patent holders may not invoke their rights, inter alia , when the protected invention is used for 
teaching or research, to carry out experiments or to prepare prescription drugs for individual use.165 
The Patent Law stipulates application of the principle of international exhaustion of rights.166 Parallel 
imports are allowed in Uruguay.  
3.188.   The patent holder may grant (contractual) licences to exploit the protected item or process. 
Such a licence is not neces sarily exclusive, and the patent holder may grant several licences for the 
same patent to different parties. The licences are non -transferrable and the licence holder may not 
in turn grant licences. The law prohibits the patent holder from imposing terms o r conditions on the 
licence holder that distort or have an adverse impact on competition.167 
3.189.   The Patent Law provides for the possibility of granting compulsory licences without the need 
for the patent holder's consent in certain specific cases (Table 3.2 4). Compulsory licences are 
granted by resolution of the DNPI; their scope and term are determined according to the purposes 
for which they are granted. All (contractual) licences, offers of licences, compulsory licences and 
other uses without the consent of t he patent holder must be duly recorded in the DNPI register.168 
No compulsory licences were granted during the period under review.  
Table 3.24 Compulsory licences  
Grounds  Specific causes  Special conditions  
Failure to work the 
patent  
(Article 54)  Invention not worked; no preparations made for 
its working; working discontinued for more than 
one year  Invention not worked for three years 
after the granting of the patent or four 
years after filing of the applicat ion 
(whichever deadline expires the latest)  
Public interest 
(Articles 55 -59) General interest; national defence or national 
security; promotion of economic, social and 
technological development; health emergency; 
lack or insufficiency of commercial supplies to 
cover domestic market needs  Requires a Government resolution 
declaring the existence of public interest  
Anti-competitive 
practices  
(Articles 60 -63) Setting of comparatively excessive prices in 
relation to the international market average; 
offer to supply the market with the same 
product at prices significantly lower than those 
offered by the patent holder, as determined by 
the competition authority; refusal to properly 
supply the local market on reasonable 
commercial terms  Requires a declar ation of anti -competitive 
conduct issued by the competent 
administrative or judicial authority  
Other  Impossible to obtain a licence on reasonable 
and appropriate commercial terms within 
90 days following application  Must possess a business structure that is 
capable of suitably contributing to 
development of the local market  
Dependent patents  
(Articles 69-70) Protected invention or utility model cannot be 
worked without infringing an earlier patent  The new invention must represent a 
significant technological advance in 
relation to the previously patented 
invention  
Source:  Law on Patents, Utility Models and Industrial Designs.  
3.3.7.1.2   Layout -designs of integrated circuits  
3.190.   Uruguay does not have any specific domestic regulations governing the protection of  
layout -designs of integrated circuits. These can be protected through patents or industrial designs. 
                                                
165 Article 39 of the Patent Law.  
166 Ibid., Article 40.  
167 Ibid., Article 52.  
168 Ibid., Article 110.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 88 - 
  They may also be protected under the WTO TRIPS Agreement, which is an integral part of Uruguayan 
legislation.169 
3.3.7.1.3   Trademarks  
3.191.   The Trademark Law and its implem enting regulations (Decree No.  34/999) regulate the 
procedure for registering trademarks, collective marks and geographical indications and the rights 
conferred by such registration.170 
3.192.   In principle, registration in the DNPI's Trademark Register confers the right to a trademark 
in Uruguay, although well -known and reputed trademarks and those in use which have not yet been 
registered are protected. To register a trademark, an application has to be filed together with the 
requisite supporting documentation and payment of the corresponding fee.171 Once the application 
has been submitted, the DNPI publishes an extract in the Industrial Property Bulletin, and third 
parties are given 30 days to object. After the publication, the DNPI carries out a formal review and 
a substantive examination.172 If there are no objections from third parties or of its own accord, the 
DNPI decides whether to grant or deny the trademark, and issues the ownership certificate upon 
payment of the fees. The Trademark Law stipulates the principle  of international exhaustion of 
rights.173 
3.193.   Since 2013, trademarks have to be put to use in order to retain the rights conferred by their 
registration. Previously, use was optional; this was the main change made during the period under 
review.174 A trademark re gistration may be cancelled at the request of a third party (having a direct, 
personal and legitimate interest) when the trademark has not been put to use for more than five 
consecutive years. It is up to the trademark holder to prove that they are using t he trademark . 
3.3.7.1.4   Geographical indications  
3.194.   Uruguay protects geographical indications, indications of source and appellations of origin 
(AO). Indications of source are protected indefinitely without having to be registered. The use of 
indications of source is r eserved for producers and service providers established in the area or place 
covered by the protection.175 Geographical indications  (GI) and appellations of origin protect the use 
of the geographical name of a country, city, region or place to designate good s or services whose 
qualities or characteristics are exclusively or fundamentally attributable to the geographical 
environment, including human or natural factors .176 In order to enjoy protection, appellations of 
origin have to be listed in the DNPI's Regist er of Appellations of Origin. Registration confers 
protection for an indefinite term. Applications may be made individually or collectively by a group of 
interested parties. Use of a GI or AO is contingent on compliance with specific quality requirements. 
Foreigners, whether public or private entities, may register foreign appellations of origin with the 
DNPI pursuant to domestic regulations  and the agreements which Uruguay has signed. For 
grape -growing and wine production, the application to be entered in the Register of Appellations of 
Origin requires prior certification by the National Grape -Growing and Wine Production Institute 
(INAVI).177 
3.3.7.1.5   Plant varieties  
3.195.   The 1997 Law on Seeds governs the protection of plant varieties and further regulates the 
breeding, pr oduction, marketing and export of seeds and phytogenetic creations.178 It has not 
                                                
169 WTO document  WT/TPR/S/263/Rev.1 of 9  May 2012.  
170 Regulations implementing the Trademark Law, Decree No.  34/999 of 3  February  1999.  
171 Article 2 of the Regulations implementing the Trademark Law.  
172 Ibid., Articles 6 et seq.  
173 Article 12 of the Trademark Law.  
174 Ibid., Article  19, as amended by Article  187 of Law No.  19.149 (Budget and Accounting Report for 
2012) of 24  October  2013.  
175 Articles 73 et seq. of the Trademark Law.  
176 Ibid., Article 75.  
177 Article 67 of the Regulations implementing the Trademark Law.  
178 Law No.  16.811 on Seeds of 21  February  1997 and amendments thereto (Law No.  18.467 of 
27 February  2009).  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 89 - 
  changed since the last review. Uruguay is a signatory to the International Convention for the 
Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV Convention).  
3.196.   To secure protection, a p lant variety has to be listed in the National Register of Cultivars, 
which is managed by the National Seed Institute (INASE). The variety claiming protection must be 
new and must be clearly distinguishable from already known or listed varieties and cultiva rs. The  
INASE carries out scientific evaluations as a basis for deciding whether the variety may be registered. 
Registration confers ownership of new plant varieties for a period of between 20 and 25  years.179 
The processing time for applications to enter ne w plant varieties in the Register of Cultivars ranges 
from one to two years, given that it depends on the biological processes involved in planting, 
monitoring growth and gathering data. Registration gives the owner exclusive rights to produce the 
protecte d variety for commercial purposes and to market it domestically and abroad. It also confers 
the right to give it away and to engage in any type of business with the plant variety.  
3.3.7.2   Copyright and related rights  
3.197.   Copyright and related rights are regulated by Law No.  9.739 and amendments thereto.180 
3.198.   The Copyright Council ( CDA) of the Mi nistry of Education and Culture  is responsible for 
protecting copyright and related rights and oversees due application of the legislation in force. The 
CDA also serves as the archive for literary and artistic works in the public domain and represents 
the State in court cases concerning  intellectual property. It may act as arbitrator in disputes involving 
unions or associations of authors or producers as well as in arbitration procedures to settle disputes 
between collecting societies and broadcasting companies relating to fees.181 Dispute s arising with 
regard to registration in the Register are resolved by the CDA. The Copyright Register is managed 
by the National Library (BIBNA).  
3.199.   Literary and artistic works and related rights are automatically protected, even when they 
have not been regis tered. The term of the protection is the author's lifetime plus 50 years. Entry in 
the Copyright Register is optional and is purely declaratory. Registration does not attest to 
authorship of the registered work, but merely to the existence of the declarati on made. It may serve 
to bring legal certainty and probative value in the event of a dispute.  
3.200.   The Copyright Law gives the owner exclusive right to sell, reproduce, distribute, publish, 
translate, adapt, transform or communicate the content of the work or m ake it available to the 
public. Copyright does not depend on ownership of the physical medium in which the work has been 
incorporated (Table A3.8).  
3.201.   When a work is created in the context of an agreed contractual relationship for that purpose, 
the associated  rights belong to the employer, except in the event of an agreement to the contrary.182 
Use of an artistic or literary work without the author's consent for research, education and other 
non-profit purposes does not constitute an infringement of copyright.183 
3.202.   The law protects related rights, provided that performers of literary or musical works have 
rights in their performance; producers of phonograms in their phonograms; and broadcasting 
organizations in their broadcasts. There is no specific provision in Urug uayan law regarding 
application of the principle of national exhaustion of copyright.  
3.3.7.3   Provisions for enforcement of IPRs  
3.203.   The Patent Law, the Trademark Law and the Copyright Law all contain provisions on 
enforcement of IPRs and provide for civil and crimina l sanctions for infringement. There is no body 
specifically tasked with monitoring enforcement of intellectual property law. Supervision is ensured 
through the customs authorities.  
                                                
179 Articles 66 et seq. of t he Law on Seeds.  
180 Law No.  17.616 of 10  January  2003.  
181 Article 61 of the Copyright Law.  
182 Ibid., Article 29.  
183 Ibid., Article 45.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 90 - 
  3.204.   In the event of infringement, the patent holder is entitled to bring civil action against the 
offender for damages. Patent holders have four years from the time they become aware of the 
violation to claim compensation. In respect of criminal proceedings, the Patent Law provides for 
sentences of between six months' and three years ' imprisonment for offenders.184 
3.205.   The Trademark Law provides for civil or criminal action to safeguard IPRs in the case of 
unauthorized use, counterfeiting, forgery or imitation of a trademark. Fraudulent goods are 
confiscated and destroyed, except where they  are of a kind that can be given over to charities. 
Knowingly manufacturing, storing, distributing and marketing fraudulent goods is also punishable 
by a prison sentence of three months to six years. The trademark holder may bring a civil claim for 
damages . In respect of criminal proceedings, the law provides for sentences of bet ween 
three  months' and six years' imprisonment for offenders.185 
3.206.   In 2014, the National Customs Directorate (DNA) introduced  a new procedure to prevent the 
import of counterfeit goods.  The procedure allows a trademark holder to lodge a preventive 
complaint with the customs authorities concerning the potential entry of fraudulent goods into the 
country and to request suspension of their clearance. The complaint must be filed with the DNA 's 
Intellectual Property, Asset Laundering and Drug Trafficking Division. Upon receipt of the complaint, 
the DNA is entitled to proceed to open containers and inspect the goods. If the DNA discovers 
counterfeit merchandise, it informs the competent judge i n the Criminal Court for Montevideo and 
the Interior, who summons the trademark holder to notify them of the time -limit and conditions for 
prosecuting the offender.186 If the trademark holder decides to prosecute, the judge may order the 
destruction of the m erchandise seized, otherwise it is released.  
3.207.   The DNA keeps a register of seizures of goods, which is public and is updated monthly.187 
Another register of seizures of counterfeit goods is kept by the DNA's Intellectual Property, Asset 
Laundering and Drug Tra fficking Division.  
3.208.   The Copyright Law provides for terms of imprisonment ran ging from three months to 
three  years for anyone that publishes, sells, reproduces or distributes to the public for profit an 
unpublished or published work, a performance, a phonogr am or a broadcast without prior consent 
from the copyright holder. The copyright holder may demand cessation of the unlawful activity and 
claim compensation for damages, including a fine of up to ten times the value of the infringing 
product. The courts ma y order a search of the premises where the offence is committed, as well as 
confiscation and destruction of infringing copies.188 Reproduction of protected works for non -profit 
purposes without written consent from the copyright holder may be punished with f ines ranging from 
US$300 up to a maximum of US$50,000.  
                                                
184 Articles 99 et seq. of the Patent Law.  
185 Articles 81 et seq. of the Trademark Law.  
186 DNA Resolution No.  36/2014 of 6  May 2014.  
187 Online information from the DNA, viewed at: 
http://www.aduanas.gub.uy/innovaportal/v/10500/4/innova.f ront/incautacion -de-mercaderias.html . 
188 Articles 46 et seq. of the Copyright Law.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 91 - 
  4  TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1  Agriculture, forestry and fisheries  
4.1.1   Features, objectives and institutional framework  
4.1.  The contribution of the agricultural sector (including livestock, forest ry and hunting) to GDP 
was 5.1% in 2017, lower than the 8.7% recorded in 2011. Agro -industry, included in the WTO 
definition of agriculture, represented 6% of GDP in 2017. The sector's growth rate was erratic during 
the review period, owing to the variatio ns in the cultivated areas and unstable weather conditions, 
which directly affected yields. Livestock farming is the most important activity in the sector. The 
main agricultural products are: bovine cattle, oilseeds (soya); milk; forestry products; and cer eals 
(chiefly wheat and rice).  
4.2.  Uruguay is a net exporter of agricultural products (WTO definition), which accounted for 65% 
of total exports in 2016, with meat and oilseeds (soya) representing the main export products, 
followed by dairy produce and cereals , as in 2011 (Table 4.1). The main markets for certain 
Uruguayan agricultural exports have varied since 2011. In the case of meat, in 2011 the Russian 
Federation was the largest market (24%), whereas in 2016 China (35%) and the United States 
(13%) became t he leading markets. In the case of dairy produce, exports to Brazil were already the 
main destination in 2011 (28% of the total), and became even more important by 2016 (60%).  
Table 4.1 Main agricultural sector indicators, 2011 -2017  
 
2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017a 
Agriculture, forestry and hunting  
Share of GDP (% at current prices)  8.7 8.0 7.5 6.7 6.1 5.9 5.1 
Real growth rate (% at 2005 prices)  13.5 -0.5 2.5 0.4 -0.9 2.7 -0.8 
Structure by subsector (% of agricultural sector)         
Crops in general; agricultural services applied to 
those crops  45.2 45.4 45.9 38.4 30.7 35.6 31.1 
Livestock breeding; livestock services  50.4 51,3 50.0 56.1 61.1 56.3 60.4 
Forestry, extraction of timber and activities of 
allied services  4.4 3.4 4.1 5.4 8.2 8.1 8.5 
Agricultural sector by WTO definition  
Exports  
Value (US$  million)  4,824  5,707  6,084  6,028  4,776  4,500  n.a. 
% of total exports  61.0 65.5 67.1 65.8 62.3 64.6 n.a. 
Most important products by HS Chapter  (% of total agricultural exports)  
02. Meat and edible meat offal  30.5 27.8 24.6 27.8 33.2 35.4 n.a. 
12. Oilseeds and oleagino us fruits; miscellaneous 
grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal 
plants  16.8 24.3 30.9 27.0 23.6 19.3 n.a. 
04. Dairy produ ce; birds' eggs; natural honey; 
edible products of animal origin  15.2 14.0 15.0 13.7 13.6 12.8 n.a. 
10. Cereals  16.2 17.7 14.7 14.4 10.6 12.1 n.a. 
01. Live animals  3.4 1.5 0.6 2.4 3.1 4.5 n.a. 
11. Products of the milling industry; malt; 
starches; inulin; wheat gluten  4.6 3.8 3.8 3.4 2.8 3.6 n.a. 
15. Animal or vegetable fats and oils  2.6 2.1 1.8 2.1 2.8 2.6 n.a. 
08. Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruits or 
melons  2.0 1.4 1.6 1.9 1.9 2.1 n.a. 
51. Wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horse hair 
yarn and woven fabric  1.9 1.5 1.9 1.9 2.3 1.9 n.a. 
05. Other products of animal origin  1.3 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.4 n.a. 
Imports         
Value (US$  million)  1,250  1,161  1,395  1,245  1,287  1,144  n.a. 
% of total imports  11.7 10.0 12.0 11.6 13.6 14.1 n.a. 
Most important products by HS Chapter  (% of total agricultural imports)  
23. Re sidues and waste from the food industries  12.6 12,1 11.4 10.6 10.3 9.6 n.a. 
15. Animal or vegetable fats and oils  8.5 8.4 8.1 9.1 9.0 8.7 n.a. 
02. Meat and edible meat offal  4.6 5.8 6.2 7.6 6.8 8.3 n.a. 
20. Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or 
 other parts of plants  5.9 6.8 6.4 6.4 6.6 7.3 n.a. 
09. Coffee, tea, maté and spices  5.3 6.0 6.9 8.9 7.7 7.1 n.a. 
21. Miscellaneous food preparations  6.6 7.8 7.3 7.7 7.4 7.0 n.a. 
17. Sugars and sugar confectionery  8.0 8.2 6.7 6.4 6.1 6.8 n.a. WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 92 - 
   
2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017a 
19. Preparation s of cereals, flour, starch or milk 4.7 5.5 5.0 5.5 5.6 6.0 n.a. 
22. Beverages, spirits and vinegar  4.3 5.6 4.9 5.2 5.7 5.7 n.a. 
10. Cereals  8.6 5.4 12.7 7.6 8.1 5.6 n.a. 
Agricultural trade balance (US$  million)  3,574  4,546  4,690  4,783  3,489  3,356  n.a. 
n.a. Not available.  
a Preliminary figures.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by the authorities and on the Comtrade 
database.  
4.3.  The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) is responsible for drawing up and 
implementing policies for the development of the agricultural, agro -industrial and fisheries sectors 
in order to: ensure the supply of t he domestic market; promote exports to new markets; improve 
the country's sanitary situation; promote the sustainable use and management of natural resources; 
and enhance the quality of life, in particular for the rural population. The MGAP also formulates  and 
implements forestry policy, where the prime objective is sustainable forestry management through 
the improvement, extension and creation of forestry resources and the development of forest 
industries.1 
4.4.  The MGAP carries out its policies through its dir ectorates ("executing units"), which are 
responsible for the various agricultural policy areas, as well as through other specialized entities in 
different sectors of agricultural activity (Table 4.2).  
4.5.  The MGAP's Agricultural Planning and Policy Office (OPY PA) advises the authorities in the 
framing of government policy for the agricultural, agro -industrial and fisheries sectors, supports the 
executing units and coordinates the implementation of agricultural policy with other ministries. It 
also assesses gove rnment policies and generates and systematizes the statistical data needed by 
the various bodies of the agro -industrial chains in order to be able to take appropriate decisions.  
Table 4.2 Institutions responsi ble for formulating and implementing agricultural policy  
Institution  Function  
Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP)  
Directorate -General of 
Agricultural Services 
(DGSA)  Draws up and implements policies relating to phytosanitary matters, plant 
quality, plant food quality and safety, agricultural input quality and control, 
animal feeds and plant products, and cereal marketing facilitation and 
organization.  
Directorate -General of 
Rural Development (DGDR)  Designs and implements agricultural  development policies, including those for 
the inclusion of family farming into production chains.  
Directorate -General of 
Livestock Services (DGSG)  Manages and implements animal health policy;  
ensures the hygiene and health condition of foods and products  of animal 
origin;  
controls and certifies the hygiene and health conditions of imports and 
exports of animals, genetic material, products of animal origin and inputs 
used for animal production and health.  
Directorate -General of 
Food Safety Control 
(DIGECI A) Ensures food safety.  
Directorate -General of 
Farms (DIGEGRA)  Contributes to the development of farms as a means of curbing rural 
migration and promoting the production of healthy and safe food for the 
population;  
implements policies to improve living conditions on farms through training 
and utilization of production methods and care for the conservation of natural 
resources.  
Directorate -General of 
Rural Development (DGDR)  Draws up integrated rural development policies based on a sustainable and 
inclusive production model.  
Directorate -General of 
Forestry  Promotes the development of forestry industry and sustainable forestry 
management.  
National Directorate of 
Aquatic Resources 
(DINARA)  Manages and regulates fishing and aquaculture;  
promotes the development of fisheries and aquaculture activities and 
evaluates fisheries resource stocks;  
conducts research on hydrobiological resources and the aquatic ecosystem;  
monitors compliance with hygiene, health and quality standards.  
                                                
1 Forestry Law No.  15.939 of 28  December  1987.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 93 - 
  Institution  Function  
Unit for International 
Affairs Represents the MGAP in the specialized committees of e.g. the WTO, OIE, 
IPPC Secretariat and Codex Alimentarius;  
coordinates work with other Uruguayan public and private bodies for activities 
at the international level.  
Specialized institutions  
National Meat Institute 
(INAC)  Draws up policies/activities for the sustainable development of the meat 
complex;  
implements traceability, quality control, verification and certification 
programmes.  
National Milk Institute 
(INALE)  Advises the Government on  milk policy.  
National Grape -Growing 
and Wine Production 
Institute (INAVI)  Formulates and implements grape -growing and wine production policy;  
controls the production process by regulating volume and quality;  
monitors compliance with technical regulations  relating to grape -growing and 
wine production.  
Uruguayan Wool 
Secretariat (SUL)  Technical institution of reference in the sheep sector at national and regional 
level;  
promotes the sustainable development of the sheep sector, research, use of 
technology in the sector and training;  
identifies opportunities for generating new sources of income.  
Sectoral Commission for 
Rice Advises the Government on production, supply, processing, marketing, 
export, land tenure, irrigation, reservoirs and all other matters concerning 
rice; 
draws up guidelines for the promotion of technological improvement and 
expansion of rice production through the integrated use of irrigation, 
fertilization and appropriate rotation practices;  
makes recommendations on land and water policy for the expansion and 
cultivation of rice.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat, on the basis of information provided by the authorities.  
4.6.  The Policy Guidelines of the Institutional Framework for Agriculture 2015 -2019, prepared by 
the MGAP, establish agricultural policy in Uruguay. In general, the MGAP's strategy is aimed at 
improving agricultural and agro -industrial competitiveness in order to achieve sustainable 
development, taking into account social integration and environmental conservation. The MGAP 
seeks to create high -value niche markets, distinct from the traditional commodity markets. The 
strategy involves improving export products through the use of new technology in primary activities. 
It also aims to implement practices that ensure sustainability in soi l use and management in 
production chains, as well as to improve water management and increase the agricultural area under 
irrigation.2 
4.1.2   Policy instruments  
4.1.2.1   Border measures  
4.7.  The average tariff applied to agricultural products (WTO definition) was 9.6% in 2017 , the 
same as in 2012. Protection was higher than the sectoral average for dairy produce (17.9%), sugar 
and sugar confectionery (17.2%) and beverages and spirits (16.1%) (Table A3.3). Uruguay does 
not use tariff quotas within the WTO framework; however, it  has negotiated preferential quotas 
under trade agreements with Peru (carded alpaca wool) and Mexico (powdered milk).  
4.8.  Agricultural inputs which are deemed necessary and for which there is no domestic supply may 
be imported duty free.3 This exemption applie s to products such as fertilizers, seeds, wire, and 
irrigation and fumigation equipment; the list varies according to needs, which are identified through 
technical reports by a number of ministries.4 Inputs imported duty free are for the exclusive use of 
the agricultural sector.  
                                                
2 Information provided by the authorities.  
3 Decree No.  194/979 of 30  March  1979 and WTO documents G/AG/N/URY/49 of 17  May 2013, 
G/AG/N/URY/53 of 20  June 2014, G/AG/N/URY/56 of 27  April 2015 and G/AG/N/URY/61 of 4  May 2016.  
4 Decree No.  71/016 of 9  March  2016.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 94 - 
  4.9.  Uruguay imposes non -tariff measures in the agricultural sector for the protection of human, 
plant and animal health, among other objectives.5 The most significant changes duri ng the review 
period were the reduction in the number of tariff lines corresponding to live animals and animal 
products subject to an import prohibition, from 250 in 2012 to 50 in 2017, and the elimination of 
the prohibitions concerning skins and hides (Ch art 3.3). Apart from these products, imports of food 
preparations (wines of fresh grapes) are prohibited (nine HS 2012 ten -digit lines).6 
4.10.   Uruguay uses automatic licensing for statistical purposes in the case of certain agricultural 
products (animal or vege table fats and oils). It also uses non -automatic licensing for sugar and sugar 
confectionery for the purpose of granting tariff exemptions for domestic producers. Imports of acetic 
acid are also subject to a non -automatic licensing requirement for the purp ose of protecting human 
health.  
4.11.   Under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture, Uruguay reserved the right to have recourse to 
special safeguards for wheat for sowing (HS 1001.10.00.90 and HS  1001.90.10.90 of the HS  2007). 
However, Uruguay notified the Committee o n Agriculture that it did not use this special safeguard 
during 2012 -2015.7 
4.12.   Export duties or taxes are prohibited in Uruguay, with the exception of exports of raw hides, 
salted, pickled or wet -blue, which are subject to an export tax of 5% in order to prom ote processing 
within the country.8 
4.13.   Uruguay notified the WTO Committee on Agriculture that in 2012 -2015 it did not subsidize 
exports of rice, butter and oilseed cake.9 
4.1.2.2   Domestic support measures  
4.14.   Agricultural products (WTO definition) are subject to the tax on the sale of agricultural goods 
(IMEBA), value added tax (VAT) and the specific internal tax (IMESI).  
4.15.   The IMEBA is applied to the first sale made by producers and processors of agricultural 
products liable for the tax on income from economic activities  (IRAE). Since 2012, only one  product, 
psychoactive cannabis, has been added to the list of products subject to the IMEBA. The current 
rates of the IMEBA range from 0% to 2.5% according to the product; these rates have not changed 
since 2012 (Table 3.9).10 The highest rates apply to wool and sheep and cattle  hides  (2.5%) and 
live animals (2%).  
4.16.   Agricultural products in their natural state are subject to a suspended VAT regime 
(zero-rated). Once the agricultural product has been processed, it becomes liable to V AT at the basic 
rate of 22%. However, some products are taxed at a minimum rate of 10%, namely: edible fats and 
oils; rice; sugar; meat and fish; flour, beans and ordinary white bread; coffee and yerba maté. Fruit, 
vegetables and flowers in their natural s tate are taxed at 10% when sold to or imported by a 
consumer through an intermediary, and at 22% when imported by an IRAE  taxpayer. Some 
agricultural inputs and products are exempt from VAT (Table 3.10).11 The list of inputs is updated 
according to needs, a nd to be eligible it is necessary to show that the input is for exclusive use in 
the agricultural sector and cannot be used elsewhere.12 In addition, a credit for VAT paid on 
purchases of goods and services used in the production process is available if imp orted products are 
                                                
5 WTO documents G/MA/QR/N/URY/1 and G/MA/QR/N/URY/2 of 15  July 2014 and 11  November  2016, 
respectively.  
6 Idem.  
7 WTO docu ments G/AG/N/URY/51 of 17  May 2013, G/AG/N/URY/54 of 20  June 2014, G/AG/N/URY/58 
of 27 April 2015 and G/AG/N/URY/60 of 2  May 2016.  
8 Law No.  17.780 of 27  May 2004 and information provided by the authorities.  
9 WTO documents G/AG/N/URY/50 of 17  May 2013, G/ AG/N/URY/55 of 16  July 2014, G/AG/N/URY/57 of 
27 April 2015 and G/AG/N/URY/59 of 2  May 2016.  
10 Decree No.  14/015 of 13  January  2015.  
11 Decree No.  220/998 of 12  August  1998.  
12 Decree No.  39/017 of 13  February  2017, Decree No.  62/017 of 11  March  2017, Decree  No. 179/016 
of 20 June 2016, Decree No.  378/017 of 5  December  2016, Decree No.  114/015 of 27  April 2015 and Decree 
No. 144/015 of 26  May 2015.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 95 - 
  used to manufacture agricultural machinery or accessories and/or for production of agricultural 
products or raw materials.  
4.17.   Some agro -industrial products, such as alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, and cigarettes and 
tobacco, are subject to the IMESI (Table 3.11).  
4.18.   In general, the agricultural sector can also benefit from the refund of indirect taxes and 
charges on exports as well as from the free zone regime (Section 3). Uruguay also grants tax 
exemptions for certain specific activities. T hus, the exploitation of forests classed as protective 
(aimed at protecting the soil, water and other renewable natural resources) under the Forestry  Law 
may be eligible for exemptions from national taxes such as the IRAE and departmental taxes such 
as the  rural housing contribution. In the case of production woodlands (plantations for wood pulp or 
sawn wood), exemption from the IRAE is available only for the production of quality wood.13 
4.19.   Uruguay notified the WTO that domestic support provided to agriculture  during 2012 -2015 
included: research, extension and advisory services; pest and disease control programmes; 
marketing and promotion services; and environmental programmes.14 It also notified subsidies for 
investment in agriculture, the value of which declin ed from US$2,236,692 in 2012 to US$232,696 
in 2015 (the year of the latest notification), including the disbursements under the 
Rural Uruguay  Project. Uruguay also notified the WTO that during 2012 -2015 its aggregate measure 
of support for the agricultural  sector was below the de minimis level. This support consisted of 
exemption from customs duties for agricultural inputs from non -MERCOSUR countries.  
4.20.   The Rural Uruguay Project implemented between 2001 and 2011 was designed to act on the 
causes that generate  rural poverty by improving the distribution of wealth generated in the 
countryside. The project had two strategic themes. Firstly, the organization of rural wage -earners 
and their families to enable them to participate in decision -making and have access t o markets; and 
secondly, support for farmers through more traditional measures such as, for example, 
rural financing at "low" interest rates and training. The project had a total budget of US$23  million 
and benefited 10,214 families, more than originally p lanned.15 
4.21.   In addition to these general support programmes for agriculture, Uruguay also uses 
mechanisms to target specific areas, such as the Fund for the Financing and Restructuring of the 
Rice Sector (FFRAA) and the Fund for the Financing and Sustainable Development of the 
Dairy  Industry (FFDSAL).  
4.22.   The FFRAA is a private trust fund  administered by the MGAP, set up in 2003 to pay off the 
debts of rice producers, processors and/or exporters, as well as those of the Fund itself. It is financed 
by retaining up to 5% of the f.o.b. value of rice exports.16 The Fund was set up on a provisional 
basis but has been renewed three times. A fourth stage was launched (FFRAA IV) in 2016 with the 
issuance of debt certificates for a total of US$40  million.17 The amounts payabl e to the individual 
beneficiaries are calculated on the basis of their share of production.18 The retention applied since 
1 March  2017 is 3%, paid in full into a special account in the Bank of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay 
(BROU) held by the MGAP/FFRAA.  
4.23.   The FFDSAL was established in 2007 to promote the development of the dairy industry 
through funding to increase production and employment in the sector.19 It is financed by issuing 
debt securities, and investors receive a monthly amount depending on the quan tity of milk delivered 
to plants. However, milk producers must also contribute to the FFDSAL. The Fund collects an amount 
(adjusted every six months by the MGAP in line with the US$ exchange rate) per litre of milk 
                                                
13 Law No.  18.245 of 19  December  2007.  
14 WTO documents G/AG/N/URY/49 of 17  March  2013, G/AG/N/URY/53 of 20  June 2014, 
G/AG/N/URY/56 of 27  April 2015 and G/AG/N/URY/61 of 4  May 2016.  
15 OPYPA (2012), Chapter 40, OPYPA 2011 Yearbook. Viewed at: http://www.mgap.gub.uy/unidad -
ejecutora/oficina -de-programacion -y-politicas -agropecuarias/publicaciones/anuarios -opypa/2011 . 
16 Law No.  17.663 of 11  July 2003.  
17 Online information from the FFRAA, viewed at: http://www.aca.com.uy/fondo -arrocero -ffraa-iv. 
18 Information on the FFRAA IV, Communiqué No. 19/2016, Montevideo, 26  October  2016. Online 
information viewed at: http://www.aca.com.uy/wp -content/uploads/2017/09/Comunicado -19_2016 -Fondo -
Arrocero.pdf ; Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries and Ministry of th e Economy and Finance. Online 
information viewed at: http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/uru160945.pdf . 
19 Law No.  18.100 of 23  February  2007.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 96 - 
  delivered to the plant, as well as for im ports and exports of dairy produce. This contribution may 
not exceed 3.5% of the average price of milk.20 
4.24.   The Farm Reconstruction and Promotion Fund (FRFG) was originally established in 2002 with 
the following objectives, among others: (i) to deal with the losses incurred by producers affected by 
weather conditions; (ii) to promote the use of agricultural insurance in the farming sector; (iii)  to 
encourage the integration of the agro -industrial chain for fruit and vegetables; and (iv)  to write off 
farmers' d ebt.21 However, in 2011 its objectives were redefined and the Farm Promotion Fund (FFG) 
was set up primarily in order to promote farming activity.22 The FRFG and FFG were financed until 
2015 through the collection of VAT paid on fruit, vegetables and flowers .23 Since 2016 the FFG has 
been financed from the National Budget, since from that date fruit and vegetables were eligible for 
suspended VAT, together with all other products in their natural state.24 
4.25.   FFG resources are also used to promote the use of agricul tural insurance in the farming sector. 
The resources may be used to pay both agricultural insurance premiums as well as reinsurance taken 
out with insurance institutions that have agreed with the MGAP to participate in this type of activity.25 
Only the Stat e Insurance Bank (BSE) participates in this programme, which has significantly 
increased the use of insurance, for example against hail and wind damage. Currently, 75% of fruit 
orchards, 40% of greenhouses and 30% of vegetable crops are insured, compared w ith only 15%, 
20% and 7%, respectively, in 2002. For the purpose of determining the percentage and the amount 
of support granted by the Fund, the MGAP may take into account: (a)  the maximum area per 
producer according to the type of activity; (b) loss rati os; and (c) level of use considered desirable 
for each type of insurance. The MGAP will also allocate resources to the Fund to promote a guarantee 
system for the farming sector, thus increasing the possibilities of access to credit. FFG resources 
may also be used to repay or write off debts contracted to finance primary production activities of 
family farmers.26 
4.26.   Generally speaking, the prices of agricultural products are not fixed in Uruguay. The exception 
is the retail price of pasteurized milk with a fat c ontent of not less than 2.6%, which is fixed 
country -wide by the Government.27 The purpose of this price control is to limit the marketing margins 
(distribution, wholesale and retail), so as to ensure a low price for consumers. The retail price of 
milk is f ixed on the basis of the price of the raw material (farm -gate price), processing cost 
(pasteurization), and the wholesale and retail distribution mark -ups. In addition to pasteurized milk, 
there is a fixed price for a variety of grape (merlot) used for win emaking when produced by small 
producers (1 -5 hectares). The purpose of this price control is to protect the more vulnerable 
growers.28 
4.27.   The BROU offers some credit programmes designed specifically for agriculture (Table 4.3). 
According to Uruguay's notifica tions to the WTO, during the period under review there were no 
subsidized interest rates for agriculture. According to the authorities, the BROU s ets interest rates 
on a case -by-case basis taking into account the Bank's financial rate and the expected risk  of the 
operation.  
Table 4.3 Financial products for the agricultural sector  
Product/description  
Crop financing  
Seasonal working capital  
Aimed at financing farmers' running costs, such as payment of wages and fees, freight charges, shearing 
costs, animal health and purchase of inputs.  
                                                
20 Idem.  
21 Law No.  17.503 of 30  May 2002 and Law No. 17.844 of 21  October  2004.  
22 Law No.  18.827 of 21  October  2011.  
23 Law No.  17.503 of 5  June 2002.  
24 Law No.  19.407 of 24  June 2016.  
25 Decree No.  267/012 of 16  August  2012.  
26 Family farm producers are those who work on their farms, obtain most of their i ncome from farming, 
employ a maximum of two permanent labourers and up to 1,250 day -labourer working days per year, live 
within 50 km of the farm, and are enrolled in the Register of Family Producers.  
27 Ministry of the Economy, unnumbered resolution of 26  October  2016. Online information viewed at: 
http://www.impo.com.uy/diariooficial/2016/10/28/um.pdf . 
28 Law No.  18.462 of 8  January  2009.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 97 - 
  Product/description  
Crops  
Aimed at financing costs of planting, maintaining and harvesting rice, winter crops, summer crops, 
vegetables and fruit.  
Marketing advances  
Loan enabling farmers to choose the best time to market agricultural products such as cereals, meat, wool 
and honey.  
Animal feeds  
Financing for purchases of feeds and supplements, as well as the costs involved in planting of meadows, 
fodder crops, land improvement and creation of reserves.  
Agrocredit  
Product intended to meet the financial and investment requirements of category one agricultural customers.  
Livestock financing  
Animal fattening and finishing  
Product to finance the purchase of animals for fattening and/or finishing, regardless of the species involved 
(beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry).  
Animals for breeding  
Finances the purchase of breeding animals for the various types of animal farming.  
Source:  Online information from the BROU, viewed at: https://www.portal. brou.com.uy/web/guest/clientes -
empresa/agro . 
4.2  Mining and energy  
4.2.1   General features  
4.28.   The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining (MIEM) is responsible for framing, implementing 
and evaluating polic y in the electricity, hydrocarbons and mining sectors. Among other things it is 
tasked with: (i)  diversifying energy sources and suppliers; (ii)  promoting universal access to energy; 
(iii) regulating and supervising mining activities; and (iv) granting min ing concessions.29 
4.29.   The objectives of sectoral policy, as set out in the Energy Policy 2005 -2030, include: meeting 
the domestic demand for power at suitable costs for all social sectors; achieving energy 
independence; and using these policies as an instrumen t for developing the country's production 
capacities and competitiveness.30 
4.30.   The share of mining within GDP remained stable during the review period, at 0.4% in 2017, 
while the energy sector represented 2.7% of GDP in that year. Gold is the sector's main export 
product; Uruguay is a net importer of mining and hydrocarbon products (Table 4.4).  
Table 4.4 Main mining and energy sector indicators, 2011 -2017  
 
2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016a 2017a 
GDP share (% at current prices)  
Supply of electricity, gas, steam and hot 
water; collection, purification and distribution 
of water  1.9 1.0 2.2 2.3 2.2 2.7 2.7 
Mining  0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 
Main exports  
Chief products (% of total exports)  
 7108 – Gold (including gold plated with 
platinum) unwrought or in 
semi-manufactured or in powder form  1.1 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.7 0.6 n.a. 
 2710 – Petroleum or bituminous mineral 
oils, other than crude oils  0.7 1.0 0.3 0.7 0.3 0.5 n.a. 
 25. Salt; sulphur; earth and stone; 
plastering materials, lime and cement  0.4 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.2 n.a. 
 26. Ores, slag and ash  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 n.a. 
 2709 – Crude petroleum and bituminous 
mineral oils  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 n.a. 
 2711 – Petroleum gases and other gaseous 
hydrocarbons  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 n.a. 
                                                
29 Online information from the MIEM, viewed at: 
http://www.miem.gub .uy/web/energia/institucional/organizacion -y-funciones/facultades . 
30 MIEM (2005), Política Energética 2005 -2030, p. 3. Viewed at: 
http://www.miem.gub.uy/documents/49872/0/Política%20Energética%202030 . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 98 - 
   
2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016a 2017a 
 2716 – Electrical energy  0.0 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.0 0.0 n.a. 
Main imports  
Chief products (% of total imports)  
 2709 – Crude petroleum and bituminous 
mineral oils  8.8 14.5 13.4 12.5 8.6 8.3 n.a. 
 2710 – Petroleum or bituminous mineral 
oils, other than crude oils  9.7 10.1 4.3 3.3 2.5 1.0 n.a. 
 2711 – Petroleum gases and other gaseous 
hydrocarbons  1.0 0.6 0.7 0.4 0.5 0.6 n.a. 
 25. Salt; sulphur; earth and stone; 
plastering materials, lime and cement  0.5 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 n.a. 
 26. Ores, slag and ash  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 n.a. 
 2716 – Electrical energy  0.8 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 n.a. 
n.a. Not available.  
a Preliminary figures.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by the authorities and on the Comtrade 
database.  
4.31.   The Mining Code regulates mining in Uruguay, and establishes the conditions for the grant of 
mining titles and rights as well as the regimes governing mining in the country.31 
4.2.2   Hydrocarbons  
4.32.   Uruguay does not currently have any crude petroleum or natural gas reserves, but according 
to the authorities exploration is under way. During the review period, activities such as refining of 
crude oil and fuels have increased.  
4.33.   The National Fuel, Alcohol and Portland Cement Authority (ANCAP ), a state-owned company, 
has a monopoly on the importation and refining of crude oil and its products. The private sector may 
participate in the distribution of fuels. The ANCAP is also responsible for hydrocarbons exploration 
in Uruguay, either on its own account or through third parties. Contracts are awarded to third parties 
through a tendering process. In 2012 an international tender was held, as a result of which 
hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation contracts were granted on a production -sharing  basis. 
Another international tender was being held in early 2018.  
4.34.   The Government sets maximum prices for liquid fuels and liquefied petroleum gas on the 
basis of proposals by the ANCAP. It also fixes maximum prices for natural gas.32 
4.35.   With a view to diversi fying energy sources, during the review period some additional activities 
were included in the regime of specific tax incentives (Section 2). Thus, in 2013, the construction 
and operation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification plants was included in  the regime. These 
incentives include: (i)  exemption from all import taxes in the case of capital goods; (ii) accelerated 
five-year amortization regime for the IRAE; and (iii) exemption from the wealth  tax (IP).33 
Hydrocarbon exploration in certain areas of  the country was also included in the special incentives 
regime. The tax concessions for these activities include a VAT tax credit and exemption from the 
IRAE.34 
4.2.3   Electricity  
4.36.   In 2016 (latest data), hydraulic power continued to be the main source of electrici ty 
generation in the country, accounting for 39% of the total, followed by wind (31%), thermal   (17%), 
biomass (11%) and solar energy (2%).35 During the review period, diversification of energy sources 
                                                
31 Mining Code, Law No.  15.242 of 8  January  1982.  
32 Online information from the Energy and Water Services Regulatory Authority (URSEA), viewed at: 
http://www.ursea.gub.uy/Inicio/Combustibles/Tarifas_Precios_Combustibles . 
33 Decree No.  118/013 of 15  April 2013.  
34 Decree No.  68/013 of 28  February  2013.  
35 Online information from the MIEM, viewed at: http://www.dinamige.gub.uy/web/ energia/ -/series -
estadisticas -de-energia -electrica -. WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 99 - 
  began in an attempt to generate more renewable energy ( wind and solar); electricity generation 
from solar energy began in 2014.  
4.37.   Historically, Uruguay has been a net importer of electricity. However, in recent years domestic 
production has posted surpluses, partly thanks to investment in wind farms. Despite the  rise in 
domestic demand, Uruguay is in the process of establishing itself as a net electricity exporter.36 The 
first electricity exports were made in 2016.37 
4.38.   The electricity sector is regulated by the National Electricity Law, the Framework Law 
Regulating t he Electricity Sector, and various decrees.38 During the review period, a number of 
decrees and resolutions were issued concerning the sector, including in particular a decree promoting 
government procurement of electricity generated from solar energy by me ans of direct negotiation39; 
a decree creating new rules for the sale of electricity generated from wind and solar energy40; and 
four decrees relating to the creation of a new regime for industrial consumers of electricity that also 
produce electricity from wind energy.41 
4.39.   The National Electricity Plants and Transmission Authority (UTE), a state-owned company, 
continues to participate in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity and is the 
country's only power transmission company. It has hyd raulic, thermal and wind generation plants. 
The private sector can participate in the power generation market, and its participation increased 
considerably during the review period, particularly in the generation of electricity from wind, solar 
and biomass  resources. In 2016, 33% of Uruguay's total installed capacity was in the hands of 
private companies.42 
4.40.   The Energy and Water Services Regulatory Authority (URSEA) is responsible for regulating 
the electricity sector. It issues regulations governing the indu stry and supervises compliance with 
them. It also advises the Government on establishing  tariffs, together with the Planning and Budget 
Office (OPP) and the  MIEM, as the Government is legally authorized to fix maximum tariffs for each 
type of activity in t he electricity industry.43 In 2015, regulations were issued updating the charges 
for the use of the transmission interconnection network, applicable among others to power 
generation companies, self -producers and exporters.44 
4.41.   Users with connections of 500 kW or more may opt for the regime of free users or "major 
consumers", which allows them to directly negotiate the price with the power generation companies. 
Other users are regulated users and their electricity tariffs are fixed by the Government.  
4.42.   The Electri city Market Authority (ADME) manages the Wholesale Electricity Market (MMEE), 
which includes the generation, transmission, distribution and marketing companies and free users. 
In 2017, the MMEE included 62 private generation companies, one transmission com pany (UTE), 
one distributor (UTE) and two private marketing companies.45 The MMEE allows private generation 
companies to supply both free users and the UTE as the sole transmission and distribution company 
for regulated users.46 In addition to obtaining thei r supplies from private generation companies, 
free users may opt to receive electricity from abroad.47 
                                                
36 Electricity Market Authority (2016), Informe Anual 2016 , pp. 21 et seq.  Viewed at: 
http://latorre.adme.com.uy/mme e/pdf/informes/anual/InformeAnual2016.pdf . 
37 Online information from the Office of the President of the Republic, viewed at: 
https://www.presidencia.gub.uy/comunicacion/comunicacionnoticias/cosse -autorizacion -exportacion -energia -
argentina -togely . 
38 Law No.  14.694 (National Electricity Law) of 1  September  1977 and Law No.  16.832 (Framework Law 
Regulating the Electricity Sector) of 17  June 1997.  
39 Decree No.  133/013 of 2  May 2013.  
40 Decree No.  59/015 of 17  February  2015.  
41 Decrees No.  158/012 of 17  May 2012, No.  433/012 of 28  December  2012, No.  361/015 of 
29 December  2015 and No.  203/017 of 31  July 2017.  
42 Deloitte Global (2017), Presente y desafíos del mercado eléctrico en Uruguay . Viewed at: 
http://www.mvdpanel.net/adjuntosTextos/cz47hroew7iqkp/1100/Deloitte% 20mercado%20electrico%20UY.pdf  
43 Article 15 of Law No.  16.832.  
44 Decree No.  277/015 of 13  October  2015.  
45 Online information from the ADME, viewed at:  
http://adme.com.uy/mme_a dmin/participantes/comercializadores.php . 
46 Article 11 of Law No.  16.832.  
47 WTO document WT/TPR/S/263/Rev.1 of 9  May 2012.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 100 - 
  4.3  Manufacturing  
4.3.1   Features and policy objectives  
4.43.   The share of manufacturing (including the processing of foods and hydrocarbons) in GDP 
declined in current te rms d uring the review period, from 12.7 % in 2011 to 11.7% in 2017. The 
sector's growth over the period fluctuated in the case of certain industries, such as paper and 
plastics, while in others, such as clothing, textiles and transport equipment, it followe d a downwards 
or erratic trend (Section 1, Table 1.1). The percentage of the labour force employed was 12.2% in 
2011 and 10.8% in 2016.  
4.44.   The principal industries that make up the Uruguayan manufacturing sector are: food, 
beverages and tobacco; wood and pape r products; and the chemical industries. Refining of 
petroleum and other fuels has grown in importance since 2011, accounting for 11.2% of 
manufacturing value added in 2017 compared with 3.2% in 2011 (Table 4.5).  
Table 4.5 Main manufacturing sector indicators, 2011 -2017  
 
2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016a 2017a 
Manufacturing industries         
Share of GDP (% at current prices)  12.7 12.2 11.3 12.1 13.2 12.8 11.7 
Real growth rate (%, at 2005 prices)  2.0 -3.9 1.2 4.2 4.9 0.7 -3.5 
Structure by sector (% of manufacturing)  
Food products, beverages and tobacco  46.0 47.0 47.3 49.6 45.3 46.9 51.4 
Wood and wood products, paper and paper 
products  14.8 13.0 14.3 14.1 15.2 13.1 13.3 
Chemicals and chemical products (including 
rubber)  12.6 13.3 11.9 11.2 12.2 12.5 13.6 
Coke, refined petroleum products and nuclear 
fuel 3.2 4.3 3.8 4.1 9.3 11.1 5.8 
Basic metal products, machinery and equipment  10.5 10.3 9.8 9.5 7.9 7.9 7.4 
Textiles and clothing; leather products and  
footwear  4.6 4.4 4.0 3.5 2.8 2.8 2.6 
Other non -metallic mineral products  3.9 4.0 4.1 3.6 3.0 2.6 2.8 
Transport equipment  2.1 1.3 1.6 1.3 1.2 0.3 0.3 
Other manufacturing industries  2.4 2.3 3.2 3.2 3.1 2.8 2.8 
Exports (WTO definition)  
Value (US$ million)  3,032  2,856  2,958  3,078  2,872  2,430  n.a. 
% of total exports  38.3 32.8 32.6 33.6 37.4 34.9 n.a. 
Most important products by HS Chapter (% of total manufacturing exports)  
44. Wood, charcoal and articles of wood  17.2 16.5 17.8 21.7 26.7 32.0 n.a. 
41. Raw hides and skins (other than furskins) 
and leather  7.5 8.5 9.0 10.2 10.2 11.3 n.a. 
39. Plastics and articles thereof  10.0 10.7 10.0 9.2 8.4 8.1 n.a. 
30. Pharmaceutical products  3.9 4.4 4.4 4.6 5.0 6.1 n.a. 
51. Wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horse  hair 
yarn and woven fabric  6.2 5.5 5.0 4.6 4.8 4.7 n.a. 
03. Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other 
aquatic invertebrates  7.2 6.2 4.5 4.7 3.8 3.6 n.a. 
Imports (WTO definition)  
Value (US$  million)  7,489  7,634  8,189  7,822  7,143  6,231  n.a. 
% of total imports  69.8 65.5 70.3 72.7 75.3 76.6 n.a. 
Most important products by HS Chapter (% of total manufacturing imports)  
85. Electrical machinery and equipment  10.4 10.3 11.5 16.4 18.4 19.0 n.a. 
84. Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and 
mechanical appliances  14.8 14.7 15.6 15.9 13.3 13.5 n.a. 
87. Vehicles, tractors, etc. and parts and 
accessories thereof  15.8 14.6 15.6 13.9 12.6 10.7 n.a. 
39. Plastics and articles thereof  7.5 7.4 7.3 6.7 6.7 6.7 n.a. 
30. Pharmaceutical products  2.7 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.4 4.0 n.a. 
38. Products of the chemical industries  3.8 4.1 4.2 4.2 3.6 3.9 n.a. 
Trade balance (US$  million)  -4,457 -4,778 -5,231 -4,744 -4,271 -3,801 n.a. 
n.a. Not available.  
a Preliminary figures.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by the authorities and on the Comtrade 
database.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 101 - 
  4.45.   Uruguay is a net importer of manufactured products. Its exports of manufactures consist 
primarily of wood products and hides and skins (excluding furskins) and leather, which account for 
43% of  the total. On the import side, the main products are electrical machinery and equipment 
(19%); nuclear reactors and boilers (13.5%); and vehicles, tractors and their parts and accessories 
(10.7%).  
4.46.   The MIEM is responsible for formulating and implementing i ndustrial policy, and its 
National  Directorate of Industry (DNI) is tasked with proposing industrial development policy within 
the Government's macro economic policy framework. The aim is to promote industrial conversion 
and improve competitiveness in the s ector. Sectoral policy is aimed at improving production system 
efficiency and product quality, and increasing national value added in a context of sustainable 
industrial production.  
4.3.2   Policy instruments  
4.47.   The simple average of MFN tariffs for non -agricultural products (including petroleum, 
WTO definition) has remained virtually the same since the previous review, moving from 9.3% in 
2012 to 9.4% in 2017. Products that received higher than average protection in 2017 included: 
clothing (20%); textiles (16.1%); an d leather, rubber, footwear and travel goods (15.3%). 
Petroleum was the product that received the least protection in 2017 (0.4%).  
4.48.   Uruguay has a National List of Exceptions (LNE) to the MERCOSUR common external 
tariff (CET). The products included in the li st are mostly inputs used by domestic industry whose 
final products are destined for the domestic market, and therefore the tariffs applied to these 
products are generally lower than those of the CET. MERCOSUR has also established special 
temporary regimes  for non -MERCOSUR capital goods (BK) and for information technology and 
telecommunication products (BIT), under which tariffs lower than the CET can be applied to the 
listed goods. Uruguay currently applies tariffs of 0% and 2% to these products. The sugar  and 
automotive sectors have not been incorporated in the MERCOSUR Customs Union, and each State 
can apply its own tariff regime. Uruguay applies tariff protection that is higher than that of the CET 
to sugar products, and lower protection to the automotiv e sector. In addition, the Common Market 
Council allows tariffs other than the CET for the purpose of promoting competitiveness. Internal 
taxes are also levied on manufactures (both domestic and imported) (Section 3.1.4).  
4.49.   In general, Uruguay does not provi de specific fiscal incentives for manufacturing other than 
the regime for the automotive industry, which has been notified to the WTO (Section 3.3.1). 
However, like all other economic sectors, manufacturing can benefit from the incentives provided 
under va rious procedures. Most of these are aimed at promoting exports and investment; they 
include in particular the temporary admission procedure, the stock replacement procedure, industrial 
estates and free zones (Section 3.2.4), as well as the benefits provide d by the general framework 
of investment promotion incentives (Section 2.4).  
4.50.   Imports of various manufactures that are not produced in Uruguay, such as capital goods, 
agricultural machinery and solar panels, are entirely exempted from customs duties and cha rges, 
and in some cases internal taxes (VAT and IMESI) (Section 3.1.4).48 
4.51.   In 2017, there was a ban on imports of some products of the chemicals industry, plastics and 
transport equipment (diesel engines and kits and used vehicles). In the case of transport equipment, 
the purpose of the ban is to reduce diesel consumption for environmental and road safety reasons 
(Section 3.1.5). In addition, other products are subject to import licensing. The automatic licensing 
for textiles and footwear is intended for stat istical purposes or to grant tariff preferences (vehicles 
and paper for publications). The list of products subject to import licensing has not changed since 
the previous review (Table 3.13). Exports of steel and cast iron scrap are prohibited (Section  3.2.3). 
4.52.   Uruguay continues to apply the drawback procedure and another scheme for the refund of 
indirect taxes, under which exporters may recover the internal taxes included in the cost of their 
exports. The percentage of the drawback in the case of the indire ct tax scheme varies according to 
the product exported. Compared with 2012, the number of eligible products has increased, as has 
the percentage of the tax drawback for some products. The manufactured products that did not 
                                                
48 Decree No.  59 of 1998 (Imports of capital goods) and Decree No.  487 of  1983 (Imports of capital 
goods).  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 102 - 
  benefit from the indirect tax sch eme in 2012 but do so now include footwear, hats and other 
headgear, base metals, transport equipment and arms and ammunition (Section 3.2.4).  
4.53.   Until 2014, direct and indirect exporters had access to financing for the purchase or production 
of traditional a nd non -traditional export goods, as well as for their foreign sale until the time of 
settlement. This type of financing was changed in 2014, when it was restricted to a number of 
products until 31  December  2014.49 Export financing was abolished by Circular  No. 2.278 of 
13 March  2017 of the Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU).  
4.54.   Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) receive technical assistance and training 
through the MIEM's National Directorate of Crafts and Small and Medium Enterprises (DINAPYME). 
Since 2016  the DINAPYME, together with the Uruguayan Chamber of Industry (CIU) and the National 
Association of Micro and Small Enterprises, has implemented a programme to boost the 
competitiveness of MSMEs. This programme consists in subsidizing/partially financing the cost of 
implementing the process of certification and/or accreditation required by technical standards in 
order to improve quality and access foreign markets. The programme is open to MSMEs operating 
in the industrial and agro -industrial sectors and/or  providing services to industrial companies (such 
as maintenance, installation, logistics, testing, calibration, analysis).50 
4.55.   The manufacturing sector can also benefit from financial support under specific funds and 
subsidized credit programmes offered by t he BROU. The MIEM's Industrial Fund, set up in 2011, 
provides non -reimbursable financing of up to US$100,000 to domestic industry for the purpose of 
diversifying the national production structure and developing support industries to boost the 
competitivene ss of existing value chains. The Industrial Fund covers sectors geared towards: 
(a) strengthening the production system,  inter alia  through: biotechnology, nanotechnology, 
chemical industry and software used in production processes; (b) innovation -intensiv e value chains, 
such as: electrical -electronic goods, pharmaceuticals, design, and the audiovisual sector; 
(c) value  chains that generate employment and develop local production, such as: the motor vehicle 
and parts sector, mining, plastics, footwear, and leather goods; and (d) value chains that drive 
growth, such as: wood manufactures, metal manufactures, and value -added foods . Financing from 
the Fund is available for individual or partnership projects of companies producing goods and 
services in the secto rs concerned, including public -private partnerships or institutions or trade 
associations that provide support services for enterprises in those sectors.  
4.56.   The percentage of co -financing for each product depends on the type of project (structuring, 
open, clo sed) and the composition of the eligible investment (research, training, certification, 
machinery and/or equipment, etc.). A structuring project is one that is representative of a sector 
and extends the scope of the benefits to the entire sector. Such proj ects receive non -reimbursable 
funds for up to 80% of the eligible investment (100% in exceptional cases), with a ceiling of 
US$100,000. For the acquisition of machinery, the portion concerned will receive non -reimbursable 
funds according to the origin of t he goods: 70% of the eligible investment and associated costs in 
the case of domestically produced machinery; 40% in the case of foreign machinery that does not 
compete with the domestic industry; and 30% in the case of other foreign machinery. An open 
project (one that generates benefits for al l the participating enterprises/ organizations) receives 
non-reimbursable funds for up to 70% of the eligible investment, with a ceiling of US$80,000. For 
the acquisition of machinery, the portion concerned will recei ve non -reimbursable funds for 60% of 
the eligible investment in the case of domestically produced machinery, 35% in the case of 
non-competing foreign machinery, and 25% in the case of other foreign machinery. A closed project 
(one that generates benefits f or a single enterprise) receives non -reimbursable funds for up to 60% 
of the eligible investment, with a ceiling of US$70,000. For the acquisition of machinery, the portion 
concerned will receive non -reimbursable funds for 50% of the eligible investment in  the case of 
                                                
49 Decree No.  147/014 of 23  May 2014.  
50 Online information from the MIEM, viewed at: http://www.dinapyme.gub.uy/programas -y-proyectos/ -
/asset_publisher/i3my7LYOrV6m/content/miem -dinapyme -ciu-y-anmype -promueven -programa -para-el-apoyo -
a-la-competitividad -de-mipymes -industriales -y-de-servicios -a-empresas -
industriales?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.d inapyme.gub.uy%2Fprogramas -y-
proyectos%3Fp_p_id%3D101_INSTANCE_i3my7LYOrV6m%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnormal%2
6p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_p_col_id%3Dcolumn -1%26p_p_col_count%3D1 . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 103 - 
  domestically produced machinery, 30% in the case of non -competing foreign machinery, and 20% 
in the case of other foreign machinery.51 
4.57.   In the case of the Industrial Fund's 2017 call for applications, 68 projects were submitted of 
which 34 were approved.52 The subsectors that have made the greatest use of this kind of support 
have been the plastics, metalworking and pharmaceutical industries.  
4.58.   The manufacturing sector can also benefit from various credit lines offered by the BROU that 
are specifically aimed at promoting industrial development in Uruguay. The interest rate offered by 
the BROU for this kind of financing is the base rate, which in March  2018 was 15.19% in Uruguayan 
pesos and 4.15% in US dollars, plus the client risk premium an d term premium. The credit may be 
used to finance both short -term and long -term needs, to support a project from the start and/or 
develop new activities.53 The loans are granted to finance working capital as well as investment in 
capital goods, construction , acquisition and rehabilitation of business premises and infrastructure 
work (Table 4.6). In the case of long -term loans, the BROU periodically invites enterprises to submit 
proposals for investment projects, which are analysed according to economic, fina ncial and 
development criteria. The selected firms obtain financing at subsidized rates and on extended terms. 
Long-term loans are used to finance infrastructure, renewable energy, irrigation and other 
agricultural projects. The BROU subsidy consists of a reduction in the base rate, which may be 40%, 
30%, 20% and 10%, depending on the type of client; clients are classified in four groups. The BROU 
also has a comprehensive programme for aid to micro enterprises. Companies which have been 
engaged in activitie s relating to trade, industry and/or services for at least one year, with sales 
amounting to US$250,000 or more, are eligible for the various products offered by the  BROU.54 
Table 4.6 BROU credits for industry  
BROU credits for industry  
Cash flow support or current account credit  
Credit aimed at meeting short -term working capital needs of companies facing temporary cash flow problems 
through a loan of up to 30 days.  
The financing may be used for: the purchase of raw materials, financing of receivables, payment of suppliers, 
payment of taxes and payroll payments.  
Working capital  
Credit for a firm's current expenditure.  
The financing may be used for: the purchase of raw materials or inputs (containers, fuels, electricity, etc.), or 
goods, payment of wages and bonuses, expenses relating to maintenance of equipment and installations, 
administration and sales, and payment of taxes.  
Sales financing  
Loans to realize the credit granted by a firm to its clients in one of the following forms: (a) discounting of 
deferred payment cheques; or (b) advances on works contracts or completion certificates.  
Long -term credit  
The financing may be used for: invest ment in capital goods, construction, acquisition and rehabilitation of 
business premises and infrastructure work.  
Applications may be submitted for the financing of investment projects in industry, trade and provision of services.  
Proposals are assessed a ccording to their economic and financial viability and other criteria aimed at 
promoting the country's economic development and competitiveness, such as: type of activity, location, 
employment generation, quality certification, traceability, clean producti on, value -added exports, and 
investment in research and development.  
                                                
51 MIEM (2017), Industrial Fund: Rules of Operation, 18  May 2017. Viewed at: 
http://www.dni.gub.uy/documents/4694435/9885036/20170518%20Reglamento%20Operativo.pdf . 
52 Online information from the MIEM's National Directorate of Indust ry, viewed at: 
http://www.dni.gub.uy/documents/4694435/9884117/Acta%20Proyectos%20SI%20apoyo.PDF . 
53 Online information from the BROU, viewed at: https://www.portal.brou.com.uy/web/guest/clientes -
empresa/empresas . 
54 Ibid. Viewed at: https://www.portal.brou.com.uy/web/guest/clientes -empresa/beneficios -para-
microempresas -asistencia -integral . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 104 - 
  BROU credits for industry  
Leasing  
Financial instruments with more advantages than traditional loans: exemption from VAT for the investment, 
longer financing terms and higher percentage of aid.  
Leasing enables the enterprise to have access to machinery and equipment, and transport equipment: buses, 
trucks and utility vehicles, including chassis, bodies and other accessories, sheds.  
The beneficiaries may be: freight transport companies, collective passenger trans port companies, goods 
distribution companies.  
Financing of up to 100% of the insurance value of the transport equipment and for up to the same period of 
time as the insurance.  
Source:  Online information viewed at: https://www.portal. brou.com.uy/web/guest/clientes -
empresa/empresas . 
4.4  Services  
4.4.1   Financial services  
4.4.1.1   Overview  
4.59.   Financial intermediation services represented 4.7% of total GDP in 2017 (Table 1.1). The 
financial system in Uruguay is supervised by the BCU's Financial Services Supervi sory Authority 
(SFF), and consists of financial intermediation institutions, credit management companies, financial 
service companies, fund transfer companies, foreign exchange houses, representative offices of 
foreign financial entities, insurance compani es and securities market firms. The financial 
intermediation institutions include banks, financial intermediation cooperatives, finance houses, 
offshore financial institutions (IFEs) and pension fund managers. The IFEs operate exclusively with 
persons not resident in Uruguay.  
4.60.   In 2016, the financial intermediation institutions had assets totalling US$37,622  million, 
99.2% of which held by the banks.  
4.4.1.2   Banks and other financial intermediation institutions  
4.4.1.2.1   General features  
4.61.   Some consolidation of financial intermediation institutions took place during the review period, 
with the result that 16 institutions were operating at 30  September  2017, 12 fewer than in 
December  2010. In 2017 the financial management institutions comprised: 11 banks (two public, 
nine p rivate), one financial intermediation cooperative, two  finance houses, one IFE and one pension 
fund manager. Altogether the financial intermediation institutions had assets totalling 
US$38,892  million, of which the banks held 99.7%. The net worth of the fi nancial system totalled 
US$3,993  million at that date (Table 4.7).  
Table 4.7 Assets, liabilities and net worth of financial intermediation institutions, 
30 September  2017  
(US$ million)  
Type of institution  Numb er of 
institutions  Assets  Liabilities  Net worth  
Public banks  2 18,750  16,328  2,422  
Private banks  9 19,968  18,430  1,537  
Subtotal: Banking system  11 38,718  34,758  3,960  
Cooperatives  1 23 18 5 
Finance houses  2 68 55 13 
Offshore financial institutions  1 56 44 12 
Pension fund managers  1 27 24 3 
Subtotal: Other financial intermediaries  5 175 141 33 
Total  16 38,892  34,889  3,993  
Source:  BCU (2017), Reporte del Sistema Financiero  - 2016. Viewed at: http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Servicios -
FinancierosSSF/Reportes%20del%20Sistema%20Financiero/rsf_iv -16.pdf . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 105 - 
  4.62.   The share of the two public banks in the Uruguayan banking system is substantial, as 
mentioned in the previous report, and increased during the review period.55 At 30 September  2017 
they ac counted for 48.4% of total bank assets, more than the 46% recorded at end -2010, while the 
nine private banks operating at that time held the remaining 51.6%. The assets of the BROU, the 
larger of the two, represented 43.3% of total bank assets in September  2017. Among the private 
banks, the largest bank accounted for 27.4% of total private bank assets (equivalent to 14.1% of 
total bank assets). The private banks are owned by foreign banks.56 The importance of the public 
banks is even greater from the standpo int of net worth: in September  2016, they accounted for 
61.2% of the net worth of the banking system, and the BROU alone for 38.8%.  
4.63.   The Uruguayan banking system continues to be well capitalized, with high liquidity and low 
non-performing loan levels. The s olvency of the financial institutions based in Uruguay remains at 
high levels: in September  2017, the banks had an average capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 18.6%, 
which is 85% above the required regulatory minimum of 8% that includes credit, market, operati ng 
and systemic risk requirements.57 The overall level of non -performing loans (ratio of loans in arrears 
to total gross loans) has remained low, although it rose in 2015, 2016 and 2017 to reach 3.7% at 
30 September  2017. The percentage of non -performing co nsumer loans was 5% and that of 
business loans was 3.7% at end -2016, while the figure for mortgage loans remained stable at 
1.6%.58 
4.64.   While capitalization levels are high, the average profitability of Uruguayan banks remains low, 
with an average rate of retur n on assets (ROA) of 1.1% in September  2017. The rate of return on 
equity (ROE), on the ot her hand, which was 2.7% at end -201659, rose to 11.8% in 2017 as a result 
of the elimination of the adjustment for inflation, the lower tax burden on banking institutions and 
the reduction in losses for exchange -rate differences in the valuation of assets and liabilities. 
However, this indicator varies considerably from bank to bank. For example, whereas the average 
ROE for the system's main institution, the BR OU State bank, was 11.4% in 2017 (September), the 
average ROE for private banks was 13.8%, ranging between 38.8% and -22.8%. The low profitability 
of some banks continues to be related with the high levels of liquidity that they maintain unplaced, 
as well as exchange -rate trends in a context of dollarization of deposits. The liquidity of the banking 
system remained high during the review period: at 30  September  2017, 30 -day and 91 -day liquidity 
ratios were 62.1% and 63%, respectively. The percentage of depo sits denominated in foreign 
currency in relation to total deposits in the banking system also remained high, and was estimated 
at 75.4% in September  2017.60 
4.65.   In 2016, loans to the resident private sector in the national currency increased by 7.5%, while 
those in foreign currency grew by only 0.5%; in the 12 months to 30  September  2017, credit in the 
national currency grew by 3.1%, while credit in foreign currency fell by 2.6%. Lending to households 
represented 36.8% of the total in 2016 (39.8% of the total ov er the moving year to 
30 September  2017); this consisted of 55% consumer credit and 45% housing loans. The 
indebtedness of Uruguayan households as a proportion of annual income remained stable at 26% in 
2016. Agriculture received 16.7% of loans granted in 2016, followed by manufacturing with 15.1%, 
commerce with 14.8%, and services with 13.5%. In the 12 months to 30  September  2017, these 
percentages were 16.2%, 14.1%, 13% and 14.2%, respectively.61 
                                                
55 The two public banks are the BROU and the BHU.  
56 These banks are, by order of volume of assets held: Banco Santander, Banco Itaú, Banco Bilbao 
Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), Scotiabank, HSBC, Citibank, Heritage, Bandes Uruguay, and Banco de la Nación 
Argentina.  
57 At 30  September  2017, the capital adequacy r atio of the banking system was 1.85, in other words the 
banks as a whole held capital that was 85% above the required minimum. This indicator measures the 
relationship between net worth ( responsabilidad patrimonial neta  (RPN)) and minimum net worth (RPNM).  The 
net worth (RPN) of each bank and of the system as a whole corresponds to the net worth computable for the 
purposes of compliance with minimum capital requirements, and consists of the book net worth plus 
subordinated debt. The minimum net worth (RPNM)  is the capital requirement, which is the sum of the credit, 
interest -rate, exchange -rate, operating and systemic risk requirements.  
58 BCU (2017), Reporte del Sistema Financiero  – Third Quarter 2017. Viewed at: 
http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Servicios -Financieros -SF/Reportes%20del%20Sistema%20Financiero/RSF_III_17.pdf . 
59 BCU (2017), Reporte del Sistema Financ iero – 2016. Viewed at: http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Servicios -
Financieros -SSF/Reportes%20del%20Sistema%20Financiero/rsf_iv -16.pdf . 
60 BCU (2017), Reporte del Sistema Financiero  – Third Quarter 2017. Viewed at: 
http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Servicios -Financieros -SF/Reportes%20del%20Sistema%20Fin anciero/RSF_III_17.pdf . 
61 Idem.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 106 - 
  4.66.   The lending of the Uruguayan banking system continues to be characterized by a high degree 
of dollarization. At 30  September  2017, 52.2% of loans were granted in foreign currency. Whereas 
only 4.1% of loans to households were denominated in foreign currency (US$), these represented 
98.4% of the total in the case of  the agricultural sector and 89.7% in the case of industry.  
4.67.   The average interest rate on US dollar loans fell between 2010 and 2015 and then stabilized, 
reaching 4.44% at end -September  2017, while the average rate on fixed -term deposits in US  dollars 
was 0 .20%. In the case of operations in the national currency, the average interest rate on loans to 
businesses was 15.1%, and that on fixed -term deposits was 5.1% at 30  September  2017.  
4.4.1.2.2   Regulatory framework  
4.68.   Financial intermediation activities are mainly governe d by Decree -Law No.  15.322 (Financial 
Intermediation Law) of 17  September  1982 and amendments thereto (Law No.  16.327 of 
11 November  1992, Law No.  17.523 of 4  August  2002, and Law No.  17.613 of 27  December  2002 
on the reorganization of the financial system ), Law No.  18.212 of 5  December  2007 (interest rates 
and usury); Law No. 18.718 of 3  November  2011 (banking secrecy); Law No.  19.210 of 
29 April 2014; Decree No.  614/992 of 11  December  1992 (Regulations implementing Law 
No. 15.322); Decree No.  263/015 of 2 8 September  2015 (Regulations implementing Law 
No. 19.210); and the resolutions issued by the regulatory authority (Compilation of Rules on the 
Regulation and Control of the Financial System and Implementing Communications).  
4.69.   Among the most important legal reforms concerning the financial sector during the review 
period are the introduction of Law No.  19.210 of 29  April 2014 (Financial Inclusion Law) and its 
implementing regulations contained in Decree No.  263/015 of 28  September  2015. The new 
legislation re gulates all matters relating to payments by electronic means.62 
4.70.   The Financial Services Supervisory Authority (SSF), which started functioning in March  2009, 
is responsible for supervising banks and other financial institutions. Law No.  18.401 of 
24 October  2008 modified the structure of the Central Bank (BCU) and established the SSF within 
the BCU as the sole entity responsible for regulating and supervising the activities of the sector, 
comprising the financial intermediation institutions (public banks incl uded), insurance companies, 
pension fund managers and securities market firms, which were previously supervised by different 
bodies.63 The Law empowered the SSF to regulate and inspect financial service companies and the 
activities of natural and legal pers ons that provide, in Uruguay, management, accountancy or data 
processing services relating to the management of business operations carried out by natural or 
legal persons engaged in financial activities abroad.  
4.71.   Law No.  18.401 of 24  October  2008 also set u p the Bank Savings Protection Corporation 
(COPAB) as a non -government legal person under public law acting as guarantor of deposits that 
had previously been the responsibility of the Supervisory Authority for the Protection of Bank 
Savings, a decentralized  agency of the BCU. It also made the COPAB responsible for managing the 
bank resolution process for failing financial intermediation institutions (intervention, design and 
implementation of settlement and liquidation procedures). The COPAB is part of the f inancial system 
safety net, together with the lender of last resort (BCU) and the system supervisor and regulator 
(SSF).64 
4.72.   Under the Uruguayan financial system, transactions can be carried out in Uruguayan or foreign 
currency, there are no restrictions on c apital movements, and banking secrecy is observed, in a 
flexible manner following the implementation of Law No.  18.718 of 24  December  2010. This law 
authorized the Directorate -General of Taxation (DGI) in the Ministry of the Economy and Finance to 
investig ate bank accounts of natural or legal persons, pursuant to a court decision, in the case of 
suspected tax evasion and to provide financial information in response to legitimate requests from 
                                                
62 The Financial Inclusion Law may be viewed at: https://www.impo.com.uy/bases/leyes/19210 -2014, 
and its implementing regulations at: https://www.impo.com.uy/bases/decretos/263 -2015. 
63 The SSF merged the activities previously carried out by the Financial Intermediation Institutions 
Supervisory Authority (SIIF), the Insurance and Reinsurance Supervisory  Authority (SSR) and the Securities 
Market and Pension Fund Managers Oversight Division (DMCVA).  
64 Online information from the COPAB, viewed at: 
http://www.copab.or g.uy/innovaportal/v/39/1/innova.front/quienes -somos.html . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 107 - 
  the authorities of other countries under bilateral agreements on information exchange or the 
avoidance of double taxation.  
4.73.   Companies wishing to provide financial intermediation services in Uruguay must obtain prior 
authorization from the Government, acting on the favourable opinion of the BCU, as well as the 
authorizati on of the BCU itself. Mergers, acquisitions and conversions of financial intermediation 
companies also require prior authorization from the Government, as well as the prior and express 
consent of the BCU. No distinction whatsoever is made between national and foreign banks in terms 
of treatment with respect to operations or establishment requirements. Banks wishing to become 
established in Uruguay must be organized as Uruguayan public limited companies with registered 
shares or as branches of foreign banks,  provided that their articles of incorporation do not prohibit 
Uruguayan citizens from being members of the management board or from holding any other senior 
post in the institution within the territory of Uruguay. Only banks and financial intermediation 
cooperatives may: (a) receive current account deposits and authorize payments by cheque against 
them; (b) receive demand deposits; and (c) receive time deposits from residents. The minimum 
capital requirement or "basic regulatory net worth" for the establis hment of a bank is 130  million 
UI, equivalent to US$15.5  million. To be able to commence operations, banks must first pay up the 
whole of the basic regulatory capital, which must be maintained in assets located in Uruguay.  
4.74.   Offshore financial institutions (IFEs) are governed by Decree -Law No.  15.322 and 
amendments thereto, Decree No.  381/989 of 16  August  1989 and amendments thereto65, Decree 
No. 614/992 and Book VI of the Compilation of Rules on the Regulation and Control of the Financial 
System. Their head office must be in Uruguay but they must operate exclusively with non -residents, 
to whom they may offer any kind of financial intermediation activity. To set up in the country, they 
must obtain the prior authorization of the Government and the approval of t he BCU. IFEs may be 
branches of foreign banks or be incorporated in Uruguay as public limited companies with registered 
shares. To commence operations, they must pay up the whole of the basic regulatory capital 
required, namely US$4.5  million, while mainta ining a US$500,000 deposit in the BCU, or its 
equivalent in national government securities denominated in foreign currency and tradable on stock 
exchanges. As offshore companies, IFEs are exempt from all taxes. During the review period, three 
IFEs ceased o perations, leaving only two operating at the end of 2016.  
4.75.   Bank deposits are guaranteed up to a limit. The Deposit Guarantee Fund (FGDB), created by 
Law No.  17.613 of 27  December  2002 and primarily funded by contributions from banks and 
financial intermedia tion cooperatives, guarantees deposits of all kinds made by natural or legal 
persons in financial intermediation institutions. Since 2008, the COPAB has been responsible for 
administering the FGDB.66 The Fund guarantees up to the equivalent of US$10,000 on total deposits 
in foreign currency and up to the equivalent of 250,000 UI (some US$32,000 at December  2017) 
on total deposits in Uruguayan pesos, per person (whether natural or legal) and per institution.67 
4.76.   Under the GATS, with respect to banking and other financial services Uruguay undertook 
commitments on the provision of wholesale deposit services, other bank deposit services, financial 
leasing services with purchase option, personal instalment loan services and credit card services. No 
limitations were i mposed with respect to market access via modes 1 (cross -border supply) and  2 
(consumption abroad), while the establishment of banks is subject to the requirement of commercial 
presence (mode 3) in the form of a public limited company with registered shares  or a branch of a 
foreign bank.68 
                                                
65 Decree No.  540/90 of 30  November  1990, Decree No.  266/91 of 22  May 1991 and Decree 
No. 189/994 of 3  May 1994.  
66 For further details, consult the COPAB website at: http://www.copab.org.uy . 
67 Online information from the COPAB, viewed at: 
http://www.copab.org.uy/innovaportal/v/308/2/innova.front/cobertura.html . 
68 WTO docume nt GATS/SC/91/Suppl.1 of 26  February  1998.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 108 - 
  4.4.1.3   Insurance  
4.4.1.3.1   General features  
4.77.   At December  2016, the Uruguayan insurance market consisted of the state -owned State 
Insurance Bank (BSE) and 14 private companies, mostly subsidiaries of foreign companies, operating 
in different branches of insurance. There was no reinsurance company established in Uruguay.  
4.78.   In 2016, net premiums totalled Ur$35,145  million, or the equivalent of about 2.2% of GDP.69 
Vehicle insurance accounted for 26% of premiums in 2016. Social security -related life  insurance was 
the branch that recorded the highest growth during the review period and represented 25% of 
premiums at 31  December  2016, followed by occupational accident insurance (19%), non -social 
security -related life insurance (14%), fire (5%), transpo rt (2%) and other insurance (10%). 
Estimated net premiums at 30  September  2017 totalled US$1,497 million, or 2.6% of GDP, headed 
by social security -related insurance (29% of the total), followed by vehicle insurance (24%), 
occupational accident insurance ( 20%), non -social security -related life insurance (13%), fire (4%), 
transport (2%) and other insurance (8%).70 
4.79.   The Uruguayan insurance market generated Ur$763  million (US$26  million) in 2016. Total 
assets of insurance companies amounted to Ur$115,866  million  (US$3,960  million), of which 86% 
consisted of financial assets, primarily Uruguayan government securities (73%). The total net worth 
of the direct insurance market at 31  December  2016 totalled Ur$15,752  million (about 
US$538  million). With regard to solve ncy, in 2016 insurance companies as a whole had capital 
resources equal to 1.88 times the minimum capital required by the prudential regulations71, with a 
solvency ratio of 1.8% at 30  September  2017.  
4.80.   As in the case of banking, there is high State participat ion in the insurance market through 
the BSE, which accounted for approximately 84.2% of assets, 87.6% of liabilities and 63.4% of the 
net worth of insurance companies in 2016. At branch level, the BSE still has a statutory monopoly 
in the occupational acci dent segment (compulsory insurance). It is also the sole provider of export 
credit insurance and social security -related life insurance, although there are no legal restrictions 
preventing other companies from offering such insurance. At end -2016, the BSE reported assets of 
US$3,338  million.72 
4.4.1.3.2   Regulatory framework  
4.81.   The insurance sector is regulated primarily by Law No.  16.426 (ending the insurance 
monopoly) of 14  October  1993 and amendments thereto (Law No.  16.851 of 15  July 1997 and Law 
No. 17.296 of 21  February 2001), Decree No.  530/93 of 25  November  1993 and Decree 
No. 354/994 of 17  August  1994, which implements Law No.  16.426 (as amended by Decree 
No. 108/008 of 25  February  2008), as well as by the resolutions and circulars issued by the 
regulatory authori ty (Compilation of Insurance and Reinsurance Regulations and Implementing 
Communications).  
4.82.   The SSF is responsible for supervising and monitoring the insurance industry. Any insurance 
or reinsurance activity requires the prior authorization of the Governmen t, following advice from the 
BCU, together with approval from the SSF. To carry on an insurance activity, a company must be 
established in Uruguay as a public limited company with registered shares and an exclusive purpose. 
The transfer of shares between c ompanies also requires the authorization of the SSF. Under 
Uruguayan law, insurance companies may operate simultaneously in all branches of insurance, life 
or general, provided that they comply with the minimum capital requirements for each branch. 
However , to operate in the social security -related life insurance branch they must previously have 
been authorized to operate in the non -social security -related life branch. There are no restrictions 
                                                
69 BCU (2017), Reporte del Sistema Financiero  – 2016. Viewed at: http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Servicios -
Financieros -SSF/Reportes%20del%20Sistema%20Financiero/rsf_iv -16.pdf . 
70 BCU (2017), Reporte del Sistema Financiero  – Third Quarter 2017. Viewed at: 
http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Servicios -Financieros -
SSF/Reportes%20del%20Sistema%20Financiero/RSF_III_17.pdf . 
71 BCU (2017), Reporte del Sistema Finan ciero – 2016. Viewed at: http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Servicios -
Financieros -SSF/Reportes%20del%20Sistema%20Financiero/rsf_iv -16.pdf . 
72 Idem. WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
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  on foreign participation in new or existing companies set up as  Uruguayan public limited companies. 
Once established in Uruguay, foreign -owned companies receive national treatment. Foreign 
insurance companies may not establish branches or representative offices for the purpose of carrying 
out insurance activities in U ruguay.  
4.83.   Risks in Uruguayan territory may not be covered with premiums written abroad. Law 
No. 16.426 provides that insurance policies covering risks that may arise in the Uruguayan territory 
may only be written by insurance companies established and duly a uthorized in Uruguay. There is 
an exception in the case of insurance for international transport and trade, but only in connection 
with the goods carried.73 Under Law No.  16.426 (as amended by Article 269 of Law No.  17.296 of 
21 February  2001), vehicles or means used for the transport of persons or goods and registered in 
or flying the flag of Uruguay may only be insured with companies established and authorized in 
Uruguay, with the exception of merchant vessels and floating structures.  
4.84.   The SSF verifies the solvency of insurance companies and specifies the minimum capital 
requirements that they must meet in order to operate in Uruguay, on the basis of two parameters: 
basic capital and solvency margin.74 The basic capital is the equivalent in the national curre ncy of 
10 million UI (roughly the equivalent of Ur$37  million in December  2017); this amount is updated 
quarterly and required whatever the branch in which the insurance company operates. If the 
company proposes to operate in more than one branch, addition al capital equal to one sixth of the 
above -mentioned amount is required. In addition, insurers selling social security -related insurance 
must provide proof of basic capital additional to that already proven in order to operate in the life 
insurance branch,  which is similarly adjusted and equal to 6.4  million UI (about Ur$24  million in 
December  2017). The SSF also regulates the constitution of technical reserves and the investments 
which insurance companies are allowed to make.  
4.85.   Reinsurance companies are subj ect to the same regulations as those applied to insurance 
companies, except with regard to the basic capital requirement, which is ten times higher than that 
required of insurers for a single branch, irrespective of the number of branches in which they ope rate. 
In the case of reinsurance taken out abroad, reinsurance companies must have an international risk 
rating of at least "A -" or the equivalent.  
4.86.   Premiums and rates are freely determined by the insurance companies, with the exception of 
social security p ensions and annuities, for which there are maximum premiums. Insurance 
companies must notify the SSF of the texts of policies, covenants and other riders before they are 
used in the market.  
4.87.   Insurance premiums written in Uruguay are subject to a tax of up t o 2% in order to finance 
the National Blood Service.75 Insurance and reinsurance policies covering death, retirement, 
disability, sickness and personal injury are exempt from VAT under Decree No.  354/994.  
4.88.   Under the GATS Uruguay undertook commitments solely with respect to motor vehicle 
insurance; marine, aviation and other transport insurance; freight insurance and some auxiliary 
services (insurance and pension consultancy services and actuarial services). It bound only 
commercial presence (mode 3) subject t o the requirement of being organized as a Uruguayan public 
limited company. Uruguay assumed national treatment obligations without limitations for the supply 
of insurance services included in its schedule of commitments under modes 1, 2 and 3.  
4.4.1.4   Securities m arket  
4.89.   Law No.  18.627 of 2  December  2009 regulates the securities market, which consists of the 
stock exchanges, securities intermediaries (securities dealers and stockbrokers), issuers of securities 
to the public and investment fund management companies. T he BCU is responsible for the 
                                                
73 Law No. 16.851 of 15  July 1997.  
74 Minimum capital means the basic capital (an amount which depends on the type and number of the 
branches in which they operate) or the solvency margin (the larger of an amount determined according to the 
premiums and an amount determined according to the losses involved in an activity calculated according to 
formulae specified for each type of insurance), whichever is greater. The methodology used for these 
calculations may be viewed at: http://www.bcu.gub.uy/Acerca -de-
BCU/Normativa/Documents/Reordenamiento%20de%20la%20Recopilación/Seguros/Libro%20II.pdf . 
75 Article 361 of Law No.  17.296 of 21  February 2001.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 110 - 
  transparency, competitiveness and orderly operation of the securities market by ensuring proper 
information for investors and the reduction of systemic risk, while the SSF is the regulatory authority. 
The Securities Market Pro motion Commission is tasked with promoting development of the securities 
market.  
4.90.   At 31  December  2017, three securities markets were operating in Uruguay: the Montevideo  
Stock Exchange S.A.  (BVM), the Electronic Securities Exchange of Uruguay S.A. (BEVSA), and the 
Rofex Uruguay Securities and Futures Exchange S.A. Stock exchanges must be authorized by the 
SSF. Supervision focuses primarily on their stability and solvency through the systematic and regular 
application of a number of early -warning supervisory mechanisms aimed at identifying incipient 
problems.76 
4.91.   The volume of transactions on the securities market totalled US$27,090  million in 2016, 13% 
less than in 2015, mainly owing to a reduction in the issuance of monetary regulation instruments 
by the BCU an d of certificates of deposit by private institutions. Out of this total, the stock exchanges 
accounted for US$19,633  million, of which the BEVSA represented US$18,381  million and the BVM 
US$1,251  million. The secondary market accounted for a little over 50 % of stock market trading.  
4.92.   Under Uruguayan law, securities intermediaries are legal persons who professionally and 
regularly carry out broking, commission or other operations for the purpose of putting into contact 
suppliers and purchasers of publicly or p rivately offered securities. Stockbrokers are intermediaries 
who act as members of a stock exchange, while securities dealers are not members of a stock 
exchange. Securities intermediaries must be authorized to operate. There are no nationality 
limitations  for obtaining authorization, but the intermediary must register as a commercial company 
in Uruguay. At the end of 2016, 32 securities dealers and 50 stockbrokers were operating in Uruguay.  
4.93.   Investment advisers, defined as physical or legal persons who prof essionally and regularly 
advise third parties on investments, the purchase or sale of currencies, precious metals or securities 
that are publicly or privately offered, or channel requests from their clients to intermediaries based 
in Uruguay or abroad, do not require prior authorization to operate but must be enrolled in the SFF's 
Securities Market Register. Such entities are not supervised on a continuous and systematic basis, 
but supervisory procedures are set in motion when warnings have been received th rough complaints 
or on the basis of information obtained.  
4.94.   Issuers of publicly offered securities are entities that design and sell financial instruments 
(securities) to finance their operations. They consist of the Central Government, th e BCU, 
commercial o r financial s tate-owned and private enterprises, and investment fund and trust fund 
management companies. Entities other than the Central Government, the BCU or a supervised 
enterprise must apply for listing in the SSF's Securities Market Register; there i s no nationality 
requirement, but the entity must be domiciled in Uruguay. In addition, it must be registered for the 
security it intends to offer for sale before placing it on the market. The supervision of issuers is 
aimed at ensuring compliance with the  provision of the information required by the registry and for 
the information of investors. At 31  December  2016, 37 issuers of publicly offered securities were 
listed in the Securities Market Register.  
4.95.   Investment fund management companies must be authoriz ed by the BCU. Pursuant to Law 
No. 16.774, they must be set up as limited companies for the sole purpose of administering 
investment funds, although Law No.  17.703 of 27  October  2003 also allows them to act as 
fiduciaries. The SSF supervises such entities on a systematic and regular basis, requiring them to 
submit financial reports and monitoring in particular risks related to money laundering or the 
financing of terrorism.  
4.96.   Fiduciaries are governed by Law No.  17.703 of  2003 and may act as general or financi al 
fiduciaries. General fiduciaries may be individuals or legal persons who are considered professional 
fiduciaries when they participate in five or more trust operations per year. In that case, they must 
be listed in the Professional Fiduciaries Register.  Only financial intermediation institutions or 
investment fund management companies may be fiduciaries of a financial trust. Financial fiduciaries 
as such do not require prior authorization to operate but do have to be registered and lodge security 
with th e BCU. At 31  December  2016 there were 14 financial fiduciaries and 16  general fiduciaries 
listed in the SSF Registers. There are no requirements of nationality or domiciliation. Foreign financial 
                                                
76 SSF Circular No.  2.290 of 30  October  2017, Book I.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 111 - 
  fiduciaries (foreign banks) must also specify the required n et worth they have constituted in 
Uruguay.  
4.4.1.5   Social security system  
4.97.   Uruguay has a mixed pension system, in which workers' pensions are the result of the amount 
received from an inter -generational distribution pillar and from compulsory personal pension 
savings. Funds accumulated by the compulsory personal pension savings scheme totalled 
Ur$452,814  million (US$15,641  million) at 30  September  2017, representing roughly 27% of GDP. 
These funds consisted of an accumulation sub -fund (81%) and a retirement sub -fund (19%), the 
latter being invested in less volatile instruments as it accumulates th e funds of affiliates aged over  55 
and thus nearing the end of their working life. The total number of affiliates in the compulsory 
personal pension savings scheme was 1.37 million at 30  September  2017.  
4.98.   Four competing companies are responsible for administering the funds: República, which 
manages the most assets and the largest number of accounts (57% and 39%, respectively), is 
state-owned. The other companies are AFAP S ura, with 17.7% of the funds at 30  September  2017, 
Unión -Capital, with 16.2%, and Integración, with 9.1%. The net average return was 3.22% for the 
accumulation sub -fund and 3.95% for the retirement sub -fund. 
4.4.2   Telecommunications  
4.99.   In terms of GDP share, teleco mmunication services declined from 2.5% in 2011 to 1.5% in 
2017. According to the authorities, this decline occurred despite the fact that the physical volume of 
telecommunications doubled over the period, and was above all the result of a major reduction in 
tariffs in real terms, as they remained unchanged between 2005 and 2015.  
4.100.   Uruguay does not have a single law regulating the sector.77 Fixed and mobile telephony and 
data transmission services are governed by a multiplicity of laws and decrees. Radio and t elevision 
broadcasting services, as well as pay -TV services, are regulated by the Law on Audiovisual 
Communication Services of 2014 and other related laws.78 
4.101.   The guiding principles governing telecommunications in Uruguay are: (i) extension and 
universalizat ion of access to telecommunication services; (ii) promotion of free competition without 
prejudice to the statutory monopolies; (iii) the supply of continuous, regular and high -quality 
services; (iv) freedom of choice between various service providers; (v) application of cost -based 
tariffs; and; (vi) protection of users' rights.  
4.102.   In the framework of the Digital Agenda 2020 established by the Office of the President of 
the Republic, Uruguay has set the following objectives for 2020: (i) 65% coverage for fibre optic 
Internet connection (FTTH); (ii) 90% residential coverage for broadband Internet connection; and 
(iii) 65% national coverage for 4G mobile telephony.79 
4.103.   The MIEM is responsible for formulating and implementing sectoral policy, through its 
National Dire ctorate of Telecommunications (DINATEL). DINATEL advises the Government on 
telecommunication policy design and the drafting of the laws and decrees for regulating the sector. 
It is also responsible for: (i)  implementing sectoral policy; (ii)  determining wi th the Government the 
requirements for granting licences and authorizations to operate in the sector in accordance with 
the law and the Licensing Regulations80; (iii) granting licenc es and authorizations; and  (iv) together 
with the Communications Services R egulatory Unit (URSEC), advising the Government on the 
negotiation and signing of telecommunications -related international agreements and treaties.81 
                                                
77 Uruguayan law defines telecommunication as "any transmission, broadcasting or reception of signs, 
signals, writings, images, sounds or information of any nature by wire, radio, optical or ot her electro -magnetic 
systems". Article 12 of National Public Service Law No.  16.211 of 7  October  1991.  
78 Law No.  19.307 of 29  December  2014.  
79 Office of the President of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay (2017), Agenda Uruguay Digital 2020 , 
p. 13. Viewed at:  http://uruguaydigital.gub.uy/agenda -digital/agenda -2020. 
80 Decree No.  115/003 of 25  March  2003 and Law on Audiovisual Communication Services.  
81 Online information from the National Di rectorate of Telecommunications, viewed at: 
http://www.dinatel.gub.uy/institucional/organizacion -y-funciones . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 112 - 
  4.104.   The URSEC, the government agency in charge of competition policy and consumer 
protection, is responsible fo r regulating and supervising the sector. In addition to monitoring 
competition in the sector, it is responsible for: (i) controlling the quality, regularity and scope of 
telecommunication services; (ii) issuing technical standards; (iii) establishing the c onditions for 
approval of the provision of telecommunication services; (iv) ensuring that operators comply with 
the legal and technical requirements; (v) fixing the prices and tariffs of regulated telecommunication 
services; (vi) administering and controll ing the radio -frequency spectrum; and (vii) allocating radio 
frequencies where there is no competitive procedure.82 
4.105.   Telecommunication services grew slowly but steadily during the period under review, both 
in telephony and in data transmission. Fixed and mob ile broadband data transmission subscriptions 
have increased substantially (Table 4.8).  
Table 4.8 Telecommunication services indicators, 2012 -2017  
 2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  
Fixed telecommunication services  
Number of fixed lines (million)  1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 
Penetration (subscriptions per 100 inhabitants)  29.78  30.77  31.68  32.26  32.36  n.a. 
Number of fixed broadband Internet 
subscriptions  580,669  737,078  840,261  900,933  921,772  933,462  
Penetration (subscriptions per 100  inhabitants)  17.10  21.63  24.58  26.27  26.79  n.a. 
Mobile telecommunication services  
Number of mobile lines (million)  4.9 5.3 5.5 5.5 5.4 5.5 
Penetration (subscriptions per 100 inhabitants)  147.13  154.62  160.80  160.80  157.38  n.a. 
Number of mobile broadband Internet 
subscriptions (million)  1.1 1.6 2.1 2.6 3.5 3.7 
Penetration (subscriptions per 100 inhabitants)  31.98  45.53  59.82  76.86  101.88  n.a. 
Mobile telephony traffic (millions of minutes)  5,885  6,180  6,183  6,280  5,845  n.a. 
Mobile broadband traffic (millions of 
megabytes)  n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 
Percentage of individual Internet users  54.5 57.7 61.5 64.6 66.4 n.a. 
n.a. Not available.  
Source:  International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and URSEC.  
4.106.   The law establishes a S tate monopoly in the local fixed telephony and fixed data (including 
fibre optic) transmission segments.83 These services are supplied by the National 
Telecommunications Authority (ANTEL), a state-owned company. Private companies can particip ate 
in the provision of international long -distance fixed and mobile telephony services. Even so, ANTEL 
is the main provider of both services.  
4.107.   At end -2016, the international long -distance fixed te lephony market consisted of 
six companies, with a high degree of concentration: the two main companies accounted for 84% of 
the market. ANTEL, the main operator, controlled 58% of the market.84 Three enterprises operated 
in the mobile telephony sector, two of them private. At end -2016, the main operator was ANT EL, 
with 54% of the market, followed by Movistar (32%) and Claro (14%).85 All operators offer 
4G technology services.  
4.108.   A licence granted by the MIEM or URSEC, as the case may be, is required in order to provide 
public telecommunication services. There are fo ur categories of licence depending on the type of 
service offered: Class A, which authorizes the holder to operate a public telecommunication network 
and provide services of all kinds except for pay -TV services; Class B, for the provision of all data 
transmission services, using the holder's own or third -party networks, media or links; Class C, for 
                                                
82 Article 86 of Law No.  17.296 of 21  February  2001 (National Budg et exercise 2000 -2004).  
83 Articles 3 et seq. of Decree -Law No.  15.738 of 3  August  1974 and amendments thereto.  
84 URSEC (2016), Evolución del sector Telecomunicaciones en Uruguay: datos estadísticos , p. 34. 
Viewed at: https://www.ursec.gub.uy/inicio/transparencia/informacion -estadistica -y-de-
mercado/telecomunicaciones . 
85 Ibid., p. 14.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 113 - 
  the installation of telecommunication links, media and systems for own use or leasing to 
telecommunication service licensees; and Class D, for the provision of p ay-TV services.86 
4.109.   All applicants for telecommunication licences, including foreign applicants, must be domiciled 
in Uruguay and enrolled in the Commercial Register and the Single Taxpayers Register (RUC).87 
Foreign companies must also show that they are duly  constituted abroad.88 Apart from this 
requirement, foreign companies are granted national treatment. The Government evaluates the 
desirability of granting a licence "in accordance with telecommunication policy".89 During the review 
period there were no disp utes concerning the granting of licences. A licence holder may transfer or 
assign it with the authorization of the Government.90 
4.110.   Licence holders may not restrict or hinder competition in the sector or establish 
discriminatory conditions between different li censees.91 Any fixed or mobile telephony services 
operator that requires access to interconnection may request it. The operator to whom the request 
is addressed has the obligation to grant access on conditions that are "reasonable equivalent" to 
those grant ed to third parties, to the operator itself or to its related companies. Interconnection 
prices are freely agreed, but operators must notify the agreement to the URSEC. If agreement cannot 
be reached, the URSEC may intervene and fix provisional interconnec tion prices if so requested 
(pending mutual agreement) on the basis of a technical analysis.92 
4.111.   Telecommunication services operators freely fix the tariffs for the services they provide 
under competitive conditions. They are not obliged to notify the final t ariffs, although, as mentioned 
above, they must notify their interconnection agreements, in which the termination rates appear.93 
Given its position as the dominant supplier, the Government determines the fixed telephony tariffs 
for ANTEL; these are the onl y regulated tariffs in the sector.94 
4.112.   Decree No.  114/003 contains the Regulations on the administration and control of the 
radio-frequency spectrum. Pursuant to this decree, the URSEC is responsible for the preparation and 
approval of spectrum use plans, wit h the exception of those for broadcasting, which are forwarded 
to the Government for approval. The URSEC is responsible for approving the National Frequency 
Allocation Table, which establishes the allocation of frequency bands, sub -bands and channels 
applicable to the classes and categories of radiocommunication services involved, as appropriate, 
and for maintaining the Frequency Register. There a re four types of frequency: (a)  free use, for 
which authorization is not required; (b) common use, for which aut horization is required without 
allocation of a frequency; (c)   specific use, associated with specified radiocommunication services or 
systems for which authorization is required, with the allocation of specified frequencies on a shared 
or exclusive basis; and (d) general use, not associated a priori with specific radiocommunication 
services or systems, for which authorization is required, with the allocation of frequencies on an 
exclusive or shared basis.  
4.113.   Authorizations for spectrum use, for the frequencies  that require them, are granted by the 
Government or the URSEC, as the case may be, and are limited solely to use of the spectrum for 
the service that was authorized. The authorizations are granted through public tender. Where more 
than one authorization i s granted, as in the case of mobile services, the spectrum allocation takes 
place through competitive procedures (spectrum auctions).  
4.114.   All providers of commercial telecommunication services, with the exception of broadcasting, 
must pay the monthly control f ee specified in the Regulatory Framework for Communications.95 The 
                                                
86 Article 9 of the Regulations on Telecommunication Licences (as amended by Decree No.  085/009 of 
17 February  2009).  
87 The Regulations on Telecommunication Licences contain the technical and legal requirements for 
obtaining a licence.  
88 Article 193 of Law N o. 16.060 on Commercial Companies of 4  September  1989.  
89 Information provided by the authorities.  
90 Article 15, point 11, of the Regulations on Telecommunication Licences.  
91 Ibid., Article 4.  
92 Decree No.  442/001 (Interconnection regulations) of 13  November  2001 and amendments thereto.  
93 Idem.  
94 Fixed telephony rates are approved by the Government pursuant to Decree -Law No.  14.235 of 
25 July 1974.  
95 Law No.  17.930 of 19  December  2005.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 114 - 
  fee corresponds to 0.3% of total gross income earned from the activity and is used to finance the 
URSEC's supervisory activities.96 
4.4.3   Transport  
4.115.   The GDP share of transport and storage services (including pipeline transport and 
complementary and auxiliary services) fell from 5.2% in 2012 to 3.8% in 2017. This decline could 
partly be explained by the closure of the main national airline during the review period. Transport 
services (together with s torage services and communications services) accounted for 7.2% of the 
labour force in 2016 (6.8% in 2012).  
4.116.   The National Transport Directorate (DNT), a division of the Ministry of Transport and Public 
Works (MTOP), is the government authority in charge of the sector, while the different types of 
transport are regulated by a specialized government authority. Uruguay does not have a law 
governing the transport sector as a whole.  
4.4.3.1   Air transport  
4.117.   The legal framework for air transport services consists primarily o f the Aeronautical Code of 
1974 and the Law on Operational Safety in Civil Aviation of 2009, together with the decrees and 
resolutions concerning the subsector.97 
4.118.   The National Directorate of Civil Aviation and Aeronautical Infrastructure (DINACIA), within 
the Ministry of National Defence, is responsible for implementing aeronautical policy and supervising 
and controlling civil aviation activity. It is also responsible for civil aviation safety, inspecting 
aeronautical infrastructure and equipment and issuing  the various certificates, permits and technical 
licences required by aeronautical operators and personnel.98 
4.119.   In 2014, the National Civil Aviation Board (JNAC) issued the guidelines of an air transport 
policy.99 The main objectives include: (i) promotion and  development of air transport; (ii) free access 
to the air transport market for national and foreign companies, based on reciprocity, competition 
and equal treatment; (iii) creation of incentives to promote investment, technology transfer and 
development o f the aeronautical industry; and (iv) negotiation of international agreements that 
facilitate regional integration and cooperation in air services.  
4.120.   In line with these policy objectives, Uruguay has signed many international agreements 
(Table A4.1). During the review period, transport agreements with Mexico, Paraguay, and the 
Netherlands were signed and ratified, as well as the CLAC (Latin American Civil Aviation Commission) 
Multilateral Open Skies Agreement, and other agreements were negotiated and are awai ting 
signature.  
4.121.   A concession is required for domestic air transport services, while international services need 
an authorization or permit. In order to obtain a concession or authorization from the JNAC to provide 
air services, foreign companies must estab lish domicile and have an agent in Uruguay, and be 
subject to Uruguayan jurisdiction. The authorization requirements for are set out in Decree 
No. 39/977 and in the Uruguayan Aeronautical Regulations (RAU/LAR). In the case of a concession, 
companies must a lso comply with the requirements of Decree No.  39/977 and the corresponding 
RAU/LAR and sign a concession contract with the State. In addition, the tariffs to be applied must 
be approved by Government decree. According to the authorities, various authoriza tions and permits 
were granted in the period 2012 -2017.  
4.122.   Domestic air services are reserved for national companies, although the Government may 
authorize foreign enterprises to provide such services where reciprocal treatment exists.100 Foreign 
enterprises mu st comply with the same requirements as Uruguayan enterprises. Domestic air 
                                                
96 URSEC Re solution No.  194/012 of 27  December  2012.  
97 Aeronautical Code (Decree -Law No.  14.305 of 29  November  1974) and Law No.  18.619 on 
Operational Safety in Civil Aviation of 23  October  2009.  
98 Article 4 of the Law on Operational Safety in Civil Aviation, and onl ine institutional information from 
the DINACIA, viewed at: http://www.dinacia.gub.uy/institucional/mision -y-vision.html . 
99 Decree No.  287 of 9  October  2014 establishing the guidel ines of aeronautical policy.  
100 Article 113 of the Aeronautical Code.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 115 - 
  services are provided under a concession granted by the DINACIA, for a period that varies according 
to the amount of the investment, the economic importance of the service and the ensuing benefits 
in the national interest.101 During the review period, there were no requests from foreign companies 
to provide domestic air transport services. Uruguayan enterprises may provide cabotage air services 
only with Uruguayan registered aircraft,  save in exceptional cases.102 Aircraft acquire Uruguayan 
nationality by being entered in the National Register of Aircraft.103 In order to register an aircraft, 
the owner, or the holder of a majority share, must be domiciled in the country.104 Uruguayan aircraf t 
must be crewed by Uruguayan nationals.105 
4.123.   There are no limitations on foreign participation in ground handling services, for which only 
approval is required.106 Applications for approval are addressed to the DINACIA.  
4.124.   Uruguayan airports are the property of th e State. The management of airports is the 
responsibility of DINACIA's Directorate -General of Aeronautical Infrastructure, which may, however, 
grant a concession to private companies by auction or tender. Uruguay has two  international 
airports: Carrasco In ternational Airport (Montevideo), the country's main airport, and Laguna del 
Sauce International Airport (Punta del Este).107 They are both currently managed by private 
companies.  
4.125.   In 2017, total air passenger traffic in Uruguay was 2,239,439 passengers, of whom 
2,093,573 (93.5%) passed through Carrasco International Airport and 145,866 (6.5%) used Laguna 
del Sauce International Airport (Punta del Este). International air freight traffic fell from about 
32,200 tonnes in 2012 to some 25,837  tonnes in 2017, of which 60% were imports. This lower traffic 
largely reflects the general decline in imports (Section 1.3). Carrasco Airport handles all the country's 
international air freight and has a terminal that provides logistical services to commercial 
operators.108 
4.126.   Sixteen airlines operated from and to Uruguay in 2018.109 The main domestic airline, PLUNA 
(Líneas Aéreas Uruguayas  S.A.) ceased operations in 201 2. A new domestic airline (Alas  Uruguay 
S.A) operated between 2015 and 2016.  
4.127.   Inputs and manufactures not produced in the country and imported for use in the air 
transport industry are exempt from tariffs and other import charges. This exemption applies to 
imports of aircraft, engines, instruments, fuels, lubricants and all tools used in the aviation industry 
as well a s any materials, machinery or inputs needed for the construction, installation and 
infrastructure maintenance of airfields, airports and other air service bases.110 
4.128.   According to the authorities, the prices of air transport services are freely determined. The  
charges for airport services and auxiliary services are determined in accordance with the parameters 
set out in the concession contract, and must be approved by the Government.  
4.4.3.2   Maritime transport  
4.129.   Maritime transport is chiefly governed by the Ports Law, th e Law on Cabotage Navigation 
and Trade and the Law on the Merchant Navy.111 
4.130.   The Directorate -General of River and Maritime Transport (DGMT), within the Ministry of 
Transport and Public Works (MTOP), is the authority in charge of maritime transport in Uruguay.  The 
                                                
101 Ibid., Article 119.  
102 Ibid., Article 33.  
103 Ibid., Article 29.  
104 Ibid., Article 32.  
105 Ibid., Article 33.  
106 Decree No.  280/002 of 22  July 2002.  
107 Uruguay XXI (2014), Sector Aeronáutico – Oportunidades de inversión en Uruguay, p. 14. Viewed at: 
http://www.uruguayxxi.gub.uy/informacion/wp -content/uploads/s ites/9/2015/05/Sector -Aeronautico -Marzo -
2014-Uruguay -XXI.pdf . 
108 Ibid., p. 7.  
109 Online information from the DINACIA, viewed at:  http://www.dinacia.gub.uy/ciudadania/estadisticas.html . 
110 Article 1 of Law No.  9.977 on the Promotion of National Aviation of 5  December  1940.  
111 Ports Law No.  16.246 of 8  April 1992, Law No.  12.091 on National Cabotage Navigation and Trade of 
5 January  1954 and Law No.  14.650 on the Merchant Navy of 23  May 1977.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 116 - 
  DGMT makes policy proposals to the MTOP for the development of maritime, river and lake transport; 
it also manages the Company and Ship Register for entities offering cargo and passenger transport 
services, and compiles statistics and data on maritime  and river operations in the country.112 
4.131.   International maritime transport in Uruguay is based on the principle of freedom of 
navigation. Those wishing to provide maritime transport services must enrol in the Company and 
Ship Register.113 In general terms, ther e are no limitations on the provision of maritime transport 
services from and to Uruguay, other than those stipulated in bilateral agreements on maritime cargo 
and/or passenger transport.114 
4.132.   Passenger and cargo cabotage is reserved for Uruguayan -flag vessels ; however, the 
Government may authorize the use of foreign vessels to provide cabotage services when no 
Uruguayan vessels are available.115 The Government has delegated the power to grant such 
exceptions to the National Naval Prefect.116 Since  2013, foreign ve ssels have been allowed to 
participate in the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers arriving in Uruguay on international 
cruises, provided that they do not exceed 50% of the vessels used for the same transport 
operation.117 
4.133.   National vessels must be re gistered in the country. By law, 90% of the crew and officers on 
board a national merchant vessel (and specifically the captain, chief engineer and radio operator) 
must be Uruguayan.118 
4.134.   Uruguay has tax incentives for the development of its merchant navy. The  importation of 
vessels that cannot be built in the country (or any vessel of over 1,000 tonnes), as well as imports 
of parts, equipment, fuels and lubricants needed for use in vessels flying the national flag are exempt 
from VAT, tariffs and other customs  charges, and the wealth tax.119 These concessions are granted 
to vessels of which a majority of the owners are Uruguayan citizens or companies controlled and 
managed by Uruguayan citizens.120 
4.135.   The National Ports Authority (ANP), an autonomous State agency, is responsible for the 
administration and development of the country's port infrastructure and can provide port services. 
It advises the Government on matters relating to infrastructure and makes proposals for port 
development.121 
4.136.   Uruguay has eight commercial p orts, all state-owned and run by the ANP.122 Traffic in the 
port of Montevideo, the country's main commercial port, represented 77% of the total in 2017, 
followed by the port of Nueva Palmira, which serves as the exit point for the Paraguay -Paraná 
waterway, with 20%.123 Port container traffic rose from some 753,000 TEU in 2012 to 888,000  TEU 
in 2016.124 
                                                
112 Online information from the MTOP, viewed at: http://www.mtop.gub.uy/transporte/fluvial -y-
maritimo . 
113 Article 487 of Law No.  18.719 (National Budget Law 2010 -2014) of 27  December  2010.  
114 Agreement on Maritime Cargo Transport with Brazil (Law No.  14.452 of 14  October de  1975); 
Agreement on River and Lake Transport on the Uruguay -Brazil waterway (cargo and passengers) (Law 
No. 18.811 of 23  September  2011); Agreement on Transport by Water be tween Uruguay and Argentina 
(passengers) (Law No.  18.891 of 20  April 2012); and Agreement on River Transport on the Paraguay -Paraná 
waterway (cargo and passengers).  
115 Article 1 of Law No.  12.091 of 5  January  1954.  
116 Decree No.  751/06 of 6  November  2006.  
117 Law No.  19.096 of 21  June 2013, amending the Law on National Cabotage Navigation and Trade, and 
Decree No.  58/014 of 13  March  2014.  
118 Law No.  18.498 on the Crewing of National Merchant Vessels of 12  June 2009.  
119 Article 15 of the Law on the Merchant Navy.  
120 Ibid., Article 9.   
121 Article 10 of the Ports Law.  
122 The ports of Montevideo, Nueva Palmira, Colonia, Fray Bentos, Paysandú, Juan Lacaze, La Paloma 
and Salto.  
123 Online information from the National Logistics Institute of Uruguay, viewed at: 
http://www.inalog.org.uy/es/infraestructura -puertos -libres . 
124 UNCTAD statistical database. Viewed at: 
http://unctadstat.unctad.org/wds/TableViewer/tableView.aspx . WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 117 - 
  4.137.   Decree No.  413/992 establishes the Regulations on the authorization of companies providing 
port services. In order to provide port services, individuals or privat e companies must enrol in the 
ANP's General Register of Port Services Providers and apply for a concession or authorization, as 
appropriate.125 Individuals must be registered with the Social Security Bank (BPS) and the 
Directorate -General of Taxation as sole  proprietorships for the purpose of providing the services for 
which they are seeking authorization; they must be natural or legal Uruguayan citizens. The services 
that private companies may provide include ship services (towing, assistance and dredging) a nd 
cargo services (e.g. loading, unloading, reloading and transhipment).126 However, some port 
services (allocation of wharfs and mooring and anchoring areas, wharfside supply of electricity and 
water) are provided exclusively by the ANP. Authorization for t he provision of port services is granted 
for five years and is renewable as long as the company is up to date in the fulfilment of the 
corresponding requirements.  
4.138.   The maximum charges for port services provided by the ANP must be approved by the 
Government.  Private companies are free to set their charges within the limits fixed by the 
Government. The maximum rates fixed by the Government vary according to the company.127 
4.4.4   Tourism  
4.139.   The tourism sector continues to play an important part in the Uruguayan economy. Its share 
of GDP rose from 6.8% in 2012 to 7.2% in  2017. It is one of the main sources of foreign exchange 
earnings, and employed about 6.5% of the labour force in 2017. Some 4  million tourists visited the 
country in 2017.128 
4.140.   The Tourism Law was enacted in 2 014, replacing earlier legislation that dated from 1974.129 
The legal framework for the sector also includes a number of regulations governing the various types 
of activity.130 
4.141.   Pursuant to the Tourism Law, the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) has various responsib ilities 
in the sector, including: (i) establishing and directing national tourism policy; (ii)  promoting the 
development of tourism at the regional, national and international levels; (iii)  concluding national 
and international agreements relating to touri sm; (iv) designing mechanisms to promote investment 
in the sector; and (v) granting concessions of public goods for tourism purposes.131 
4.142.   The Tourism Law also specifies the functions of the authority in charge of the sector, MINTUR, 
whose main responsibilitie s are to: (i) define the requirements for operating in the sector; (ii) 
supervise compliance with the regulations; (iii) prepare studies and strategic plans for the 
development of tourism; (iv) administer the Register of Tou rism Service Providers; and  (v) inspect 
tourism services and infrastructure.132 The Law also created the National Tourism Board (CONATUR), 
an advisory body comprising public and private entities, whose function is to advise MINTUR in 
drawing up strategic guidelines.133 
4.143.   Private enterprises are the main providers of tourism services; the State steps in when 
private companies are unable or unwilling to provide a specific service.134 In order to operate in the 
sector, companies must be domiciled in Uruguay and enrolled with the MINTUR Register of  Tourism 
Service Providers.135 Foreigners that have established domicile in Uruguay receive national 
                                                
125 Article 10 of the Regulations implementing the Ports Law (Decree No.  412/992).  
126 Decree No. 57/994 of 8  February  1994 (General Regime governing port services).  
127 The maximum rates set by the Government may be viewed at: 
http://www.anp.com.uy/inicio/institucional/cifras/montevideo/precios_maximos_concesionarios . 
128 Information provided by the authorities.  
129 Tourism Law No.  19.253 (Regulation of Tourism Activity) of 28  August  2014.  
130 Decree No.  267/015 (Tourist Accommodation) of 5  October  2015; Decree No.  268/015 (Travel 
Agencies) of 5  October  2015, as amended by Decree No.  89/017 of 27  March  2017; and Decree No.  278/015 
(Tourist Transport Companies) of 13  October  2015.  
131 Articles 6 and 7 of the Tourism Law.  
132 Ibid., Articles 8 and 9.  
133 Ibid., Article 17.  
134 Ibid., Article 3(g).  
135 Decree No.  267/015 (Tourist Accommodation) of 5  October  2015, Decree No.  268/015 (Travel 
Agencies) of 5  October  2015, as amended by Decree No.  89/017 of 27  March 2017, and Decree No.  278/015 
(Tourist Transport Companies) of 13  October  2015.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 118 - 
  treatment. For example, foreign travel agencies may operate in Uruguay by establishing branch 
offices domiciled in the country. Foreigners may provide accomm odation services, tourist transport 
services and tourist guide services if they are domiciled in Uruguay.  
4.144.   There is a specific investment promotion regime for the sector, whose incentives are granted 
to both foreign and domestic investors. The regime distin guishes between tourism projects 
(accommodation, cultural or recreational services, or services for events and congresses) and hotel 
infrastructure projects (hotels, inns, motels, ranches). The benefits for tourism projects include : (i) 
exemption from VAT on imports of goods used for the construction of infrastructure and civil 
engineering works; (ii) exemption for 11 years from the wealth tax (IP) for infrastructure and civil 
engineering works; (iii) 50% exemption from tariffs on goods used for equipment; and (iv) 15 -year 
amortization period for investment in infrastructure and civil engineering works for the purposes of 
the IRAE. The same benefits apply to pur chases of equipment, but the IP  exemption is only for five 
years and the investment must be amorti zed over five years for IRAE purposes. Tax concessions for 
the construction of hotels include : (i) exemption from VAT for imported goods for fixtures and 
fittings; (ii) exemption from the IP for five years; and (iii) 50% exemption from import taxes for 
imports of fixtures and fittings.136 
4.145.   There is also an investment incentive regime for a specific type of hotel infrastructure 
(condominium hotels) (Table 4.9).137 In addition, investment in the tourism sector is eligible for the 
incentives under the Law on the Pr otection and Promotion of Investment (Section 2.4).  
Table 4.9 Benefits granted to the hotel sector  
Benefit  
Credit for VAT included in goods and services purchased by the construction company.  
Exemption from  VAT on goods imported by the construction company for use in the construction.  
The construction company must opt for a specific exemption regime when importing materials and goods as 
well as the capital goods needed for the construction project. The bene fits are either:  
(a) 100% exemption from taxes on goods declared not to compete with the domestic industry, but 
maintaining the obligation to pay the taxes on goods that do compete with the domestic industry; or  
(b) 50% exemption from taxes on goods declar ed not to compete with the domestic industry.  
Goods used in the civil engineering works for the investment project are computed as IP -exempt assets for 
up to 11  years from their incorporation into the building.  
This exemption also applies to the sites on which the building is constructed.  
Fixed assets intended to equip the tourism project are considered IP -exempt for the period of their working 
life. 
The use and/or enjoyment of the units transferred by the owners to the operator are considered IP -exempt 
assets for a period of 11 years.  
The economic activities generated by the activity of the operating company are exempt from income tax, 
subject to a maximum amount and duration.  
With regard to civil engineering works, the investment made by the de veloper is computed by the operating 
company at cost, without considering the value of the land.  
This exemption does not apply to the IRAE generated by sale of the units by the developer.  
Source:  Decree No.  404/010 of 29  December  2010.  
4.146. The tourism  industry and authorities have adopted various measures aimed at exploiting the 
country's potential as a tourism destination, diversifying its supply of tourism products, and 
developing products aimed at specific niches. By way of example, the development of convention 
tourism was promoted during the review period. A new convention centre was opened in 
Punta  del Este in 2016 and another centre is scheduled to be opened in Montevideo in 2018. As part 
of this strategy, services for the organization of interna tional events and the rental of convention 
halls are exempt from VAT.138 
                                                
136 Decree No.  175/003 of 7  May 2003.  
137 Decree No.  404/010 of 29  December  2010.  
138 Uruguay XXI (2017), Oportunidades de inversión: Turismo, p. 7. Viewed at: 
http://www.uruguayxxi.gub.uy/inversiones/oportunidades -de-inversion ; and Decrees No.  220/998 of 
12 August  1998 and No.  106/000 of 27  April 2000.  WT/TPR/S/3 74/Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 119 - 
  5  APPENDIX TABLES  
Table A1. 1 Total merchandise exports by HS Section, 2011 -2017  
Description  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017   
(US$ million)  
Total exports  7,912  8,709  9,067  9,132  7,678  6,997  7,885   
(% of exports)  
1 - Live animals; animal products  33.5 31.3 29.3 31.4 33.4 36.0 34.2 
02. Meat and edible meat offal  18.6 18.2 16.5 18.3 20.6 22.7 21.4 
04. Dairy produce; birds’ eggs; natural honey; 
edible products of animal origin  9.3 9.2 10.1 9.1 8.5 8.3 7.9 
01. Live animals  2.1 1.0 0.4 1.6 2.0 2.8 2.8 
03. Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other 
aquatic invertebrates  2.8 2.1 1.5 1.6 1.4 1.3 1.2 
05. Products of animal origin n.e.s.i.  0.8 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.8 
2 - Vegetable products  24.2 31.6 34.1 30.5 24.2 23.5 25.8 
12. Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; 
miscellaneous seeds and fruits; industrial or 
medicinal plants  10.3 15.9 20.7 17.6 14.7 11.9 15.6 
10. Cereals  9.9 12.2 9.8 9.4 6.6 7.8 6.7 
11. Products of the milling industry; malt; 
starches; inulin; wheat gluten  2.8 2.5 2.5 2.2 1.7 2.3 2.4 
08. Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or 
melons  1.2 0.9 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.2 
3 - Animal or vegetable fats  and oils and 
their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; 
animal or vegetable waxes  1.6 1.4 1.2 1.4 1.7 1.7 1.8 
4 - Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits 
and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured 
tobacco substitutes  3.2 2.5 2.2 2.3 2.7 2.7 2.4 
16. Preparations of meat, of fish or of 
crustaceans  0.9 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 
24. Tobacco and manufactured tobacco 
substitutes  0.7 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 
23. Residues and waste from the food industries  0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.6 0.5 
5 - Mineral products  1.1 1.2 0.6 1.3 0.7 1.6 2.4 
27. Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of 
their distillation  0.7 1.1 0.5 1.1 0.4 1.4 2.0 
25. Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering 
materials, lime and cement  0.4 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.4 
6 - Products of the chemical or allied 
industries  5.2 5.6 5.2 5.1 5.6 5.5 4.6 
30. Pharmaceutical products  1.5 1.5 1.4 1.6 1.9 2.1 1.5 
34. Soap, organic surface -active agents, washing 
preparations, lubricating preparations  1.0 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.9 
38. Miscellaneous chemical products  0.9 1.4 1.2 1.0 1.3 0.8 0.7 
7 - Plastics and articles thereof  5.6 5.1 4.8 4.6 4.4 3.6 3.6 
39. Plastics and articles thereof  3.8 3.5 3.3 3.1 3.1 2.8 2.9 
8 - Raw hides and skins, leather, furskins and 
articles thereof; saddlery and harness  3.5 3.3 3.4 3.8 4.1 4.1 3.2 
41. Raw hides and skins (other than furskins) 
and leather  3.1 3.0 3.2 3.6 3.9 4.0 3.1 
9 - Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal  6.6 5.4 5.9 7.3 10.0 11.1 11.8 
10 - Pulp of wood or of other fibrous 
cellulosic material; recovered (waste and 
scrap) paper or paperboard; paper and 
paperboard and articles thereof  1.5 1.2 1.0 1.0 1.1 0.8 0.5 
48. Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, 
of paper or of paperboard  1.3 1.0 0.9 0.9 1.0 0.7 0.4 
11 - Textiles and textile articles  4.8 3.7 3.5 3.3 3.6 3.3 3.1 
51. Wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horsehair 
yarn and woven fabric  3.5 2.8 2.9 2.7 3.2 2.8 2.7 
12 - Footwear, headgear, umbrellas, sun 
umbrellas, walking -sticks, seat -sticks, 
whips, riding -crops and parts thereof; 
prepared feathers and articles made 
therewith  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 120 - 
  Description  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  
13 - Articles of stone, plaster, cement, 
asbestos, mica or similar materials; 
ceramic products; glass and glassware  0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
14 - Natural or cultured pearls, precious or 
semi -precious  stones, precious metals  1.4 1.5 1.3 1.0 1.0 0.8 0.8 
15 - Base metals and articles of base metal  1.1 1.3 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.2 
73. Articles of iron or steel  0.7 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 
76. Aluminium and articles thereof  0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
16 - Machinery and mechanical appliances; 
electrical equipment; parts thereof  1.2 1.5 1.2 1.1 1.4 1.4 1.3 
85. Electrical machinery and equipment and parts 
thereof; sound recorders and reproducers  0.9 1.1 0.9 0.8 1.0 0.9 0.9 
17 - Transport equipment  3.9 1.6 3.2 3.1 3.2 1.2 1.6 
87. Motor vehicles, tractors, bicycles and other 
vehicles; parts and accessories thereof  3.8 1.4 3.1 3.0 2.0 0.9 1.4 
18 - Optical, photographic  or 
cinematographic measuring, checking or 
precision instruments and apparatus  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.6 0.8 0.7 
19 - Arms and ammunition; parts and 
accessories thereof  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
20 - Miscellaneous manufactured articles  1.4 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.1 0.9 0.8 
94. Furniture; medical, surgical furniture; articles 
of bedding and the like; lighting fittings  1.4 1.4 1.4 1.3 0.9 0.8 0.8 
21 - Works of art, collectors’ pieces and 
antiques  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Source:  Comtrade database and BCU (2017).  
  WT/TPR/S/3 74/Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 121 - 
  Table A1. 2 Total merchandise imports by HS Section, 2011 -2017  
 
2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  
 
(US$ million)  
Total imports  10,726  11,652  11,642  11,485  9,489  8,137  8,458   
(% of imports)  
1 - Live animals; animal products  1.2 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.5 1.8 2.2 
02. Meat and edible meat offal  0.5 0.6 0.7 0.9 0.9 1.2 1.5 
03. Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and 
other aquatic invertebrates  0.4 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 
04. Dairy produce; birds’ eggs; natural 
honey; edible products of animal origin  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 
05. Products of animal origin n.e.s.i.  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
01. Live animals  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 
2 - Vegetable products  3.1 2.2 3.5 3.2 3.7 3.6 3.1 
09. Coffee, tea, maté and spices  0.6 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.9 
10. Cereals  1.0 0.5 1.5 1.0 1.1 0.8 0.8 
08. Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus 
fruit or melons  0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.6 
12. Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; 
miscellaneous seeds and fruit; 
industrial or medicinal plants  0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.3 
3 - Animal or vegetable fats and oils  1.0 0.8 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.4 
4 - Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, 
spirits and vinegar; tobacco and 
manufactured tobacco substitutes  6.0 5.6 5.9 6.0 6.9 7.2 7.1 
23. Residues and waste from the food 
industries  1.5 1.2 1.4 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.3 
20. Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts 
or other parts of plants  0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 
21. Miscellaneous edible preparations  0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 
17. Sugars and sugar confectionery  0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.0 0.9 
5 - Mineral products  21.1 27.4 18.8 16.2 12.4 10.7 13.0 
27. Mineral fuels, mineral oils and 
products of their distillation  20.6 27.0 18.4 15.8 12.0 10.3 12.6 
6 - Products of the chemical or allied 
industries  13.0 12.9 13.5 13.1 13.7 14.1 14.3 
30. Pharmaceutical products  1.9 1.9 2.1 2.2 2.5 3.0 3.0 
38. Miscellaneous chemical products  2.6 2.7 3.0 3.1 2.7 3.0 3.1 
31. Fertilisers  3.3 3.0 2.8 2.6 2.2 2.4 2.3 
29. Organic chemicals  2.0 2.2 2.3 2.0 2.5 1.8 1.9 
33. Essential oils and resinoids; 
perfumery, cosmetic or toilet 
preparations  0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.3 
34. Soap, organic surface -active agents, 
washing preparations, lubricating 
preparations  0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.1 
32. Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins 
and their derivatives; pigments and 
other colouring matter  0.7 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 
7 - Plastics and articles thereof  7.2 6.6 7.2 6.4 6.6 6.6 6.7 
 39. Plastics and articles thereof  5.2 4.8 5.1 4.8 5.0 5.1 5.1 
 40. Rubber and articles thereof  1.9 1.7 2.0 1.6 1.6 1.4 1.5 
8 - Raw hides and skins, leather, 
furskins and articles thereof; 
saddlery and harness  1.1 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.1 1.2 1.1 
41. Raw hides and skins (other than 
furskins) and leather  0.9 0.8 0.8 1.0 0.8 0.9 0.8 
9 - Wood and articles of wood; wood 
charcoal  0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 
10 - Pulp of wood or of other fibrous 
cellulosic material; paper and 
paperboard and articles thereof  2.0 1.6 1.7 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.3 
48. Paper and paperboard; articles of 
paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard  1.7 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.9 
11 - Textiles and textile articles  4.6 4.0 4.3 4.2 4.7 5.0 5.4 
61. Articles of apparel and clothing 
accessories, knitted or crocheted  1.1 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.4 1.5 1.6 
62. Articles of apparel and clothing 
accessories, not knitted or crocheted  0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.2 1.2 1.5 WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 122 - 
   
2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  
51. Wool, fine or coarse animal hair; 
horsehair yarn and woven fabric  0.7 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 
12 - Footwear, headgear, umbrellas, 
sun umbrellas, walking -sticks, 
seat-sticks, whips, riding -crops and 
parts thereof; prepared feathers and 
articles made therewith  1.1 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.4 1.4 
64. Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of 
such articles  1.0 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.3 1.3 
65. Headgear and parts thereof  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
13 - Articles of stone, plaster, cement, 
asbestos, mica or similar materials; 
ceramic products; glass and 
glassware  1.2 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 
69. Ceramic products  0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 
14 - Natural or cultured pearls, 
precious or semi -precious stones, 
precious metals  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
15 - Base metals and articles of base 
metal  4.6 4.2 4.5 4.4 4.8 4.6 5.0 
73. Articles of iron or steel  1.5 1.4 1.7 1.7 2.0 2.0 1.8 
72. Iron and steel  1.8 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.2 1.6 
76. Aluminium and articles thereof  0.5 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 
16 - Machinery and mechanical 
appliances; electrical equipment; 
parts thereof  17.6 16.3 19.1 23.3 23.9 24.9 18.9 
85. Electrical machinery and equipment  
and parts thereof; sound recorders and 
reproducers  7.3 6.7 8.1 11.9 13.9 14.6 9.8 
84. Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery 
and mechanical appliances  10.3 9.6 10.9 11.4 9.9 10.4 9.2 
17 - Transport equipment  11.2 9.7 11.4 10.2 9.7 8.4 10.8 
87. Motor vehicles, tractors, bicycles and 
other vehicles; parts and accessories 
thereof  11.0 9.6 11.0 10.0 9.5 8.2 10.6 
18 - Optical, photographic  or 
cinematographic measuring, 
checking or precision instruments 
and apparatus  1.3 1.3 1.4 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.8 
19 – Arms and ammunition; parts and        
accessories thereof  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
20 - Miscellaneous manufactured 
articles  2.2 2.4 2.5 2.7 2.9 3.2 3.4 
94. Furniture; medical, surgical furniture; 
articles of bedding and the like; 
lighting fittings  1.3 1.3 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.9 2.0 
21 - Works of art, collectors’ pieces and 
antiques  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Source:  Comtrade database and BCU (2017).  WT/TPR/S/3 74/Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 123 - 
  Table A1. 3 Total merchandise exports by trading partner, 2011 -2017  
  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017   
(US$ million)  
Total exports  7,912  8,709  9,067  9,132  7,678  6,997  7,885   
(% of exports)  
America  45.3 43.4 41.1 41.0 40.1 41.4 37.8 
 United States  3.1 3.7 3.9 4.6 6.8 6.4 5.7 
 Other America  42.2 39.7 37.2 36.4 33.3 35.1 32.0 
 Brazil  20.5 19.4 18.9 17.6 14.8 17.2 16.5 
 Argentina  7.4 5.8 5.4 4.8 5.1 6.1 5.6 
 Mexico  2.1 1.7 1.6 2.6 2.9 2.4 2.5 
 Peru 1.3 1.6 1.3 1.2 1.6 2.0 1.8 
 Paraguay  2.4 1.7 1.7 1.5 1.5 1.7 1.5 
 Chile 1.8 2.4 1.6 1.2 1.5 1.4 1.1 
 Canada  0.5 0.8 0.6 1.3 1.5 1.1 0.6 
 Colombia  0.4 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.7 0.3 
 Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of  4.0 4.8 4.9 4.5 2.7 0.7 0.3 
 Bolivia, Plurinational State of  0.3 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.5 
Europe  18.9 14.0 13.9 12.5 14.3 17.0 14.9 
 EU(28)  15.0 11.3 11.9 11.0 11.4 12.9 11.0 
 Netherlands  1.9 1.5 2.2 2.0 2.4 3.4 3.1 
 Germany  3.8 2.9 3.4 3.2 3.3 3.1 2.5 
 Portugal  1.2 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.4 1.0 
 Italy 2.0 1.5 1.6 1.4 1.1 1.1 1.1 
 Spain  2.5 1.5 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.0 
 EFTA 2.0 1.9 1.5 1.2 1.2 1.1 0.9 
 Switzerland  1.4 1.6 1.4 1.0 1.1 0.9 0.8 
 Norway  0.6 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 
 Other Europe  2.0 0.8 0.5 0.3 1.7 3.0 3.1 
 Turkey  1.9 0.7 0.5 0.3 1.7 3.0 3.0 
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)  5.2 4.8 3.2 3.3 1.4 1.5 1.5 
Russian Federation  5.0 4.5 3.1 3.2 1.3 1.4 1.4 
Africa  3.6 3.8 3.2 2.4 2.6 1.9 3.5 
 Algeria  0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 1.0 0.6 1.6 
 South Africa  0.4 0.7 0.6 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 
 Egypt  0.1 0.1 0.9 1.5 0.9 0.2 0.4 
 Sierra Leone  0.0 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 
Middle East  3.8 4.4 4.7 5.7 4.4 3.1 3.5 
 Israel  1.5 2.0 1.6 1.5 1.7 1.8 1.6 
 Iraq 0.9 1.4 1.2 2.2 1.0 0.4 0.6 
 Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 
Asia 10.4 13.1 17.5 16.9 17.4 16.0 21.7 
 China  6.7 9.1 14.2 13.3 13.9 12.4 18.8 
 Japan  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
 Other Asia  3.6 3.8 3.1 3.5 3.4 3.4 2.8 
 Hong Kong, China  0.9 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.7 
 Thailand  0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.6 0.4 
 Viet Nam  0.4 0.5 0.5 0.9 0.7 0.6 0.4 
 Korea, Republic of  0.4 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.2 
Other  12.8 16.5 16.4 18.1 19.9 19.1 17.1 
Free zones  12.3 16.2 16.1 17.6 19.4 18.6 16.5 
Source:  Comtrade database and BCU.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 124 - 
  Table A1. 4 Total merchandise imports by trading partner, 2011 -2017  
 
2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017   
(US$ million)  
Total imports  10,726  11,652  11,642  11,485  9,489  8,137  8,458   
(% of imports)  
America  58.1 54.8 49.2 49.7 47.4 46.3 50.6 
 United States  10.3 8.9 8.7 9.4 9.0 6.9 10.9 
 Other America  47.8 45.9 40.5 40.2 38.4 39.4 39.7 
 Brazil  19.4 18.0 15.8 17.0 17.1 18.0 19.5 
 Argentina  18.7 14.9 14.2 12.7 13.0 13.3 12.6 
 Mexico  2.3 2.5 2.6 2.4 2.4 2.5 2.6 
 Chile 1.3 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.4 
 Paraguay  0.8 0.7 1.1 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.3 
 Canada  0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 1.0 0.6 
 Colombia  0.1 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.4 
 Ecuador  0.6 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.4 
 Peru 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 
 Uruguay  0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 
 Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of  3.7 7.1 4.2 3.9 1.3 0.0 0.1 
Europe  13.7 13.3 14.4 15.6 17.9 19.3 16.7 
 EU (28) 12.9 11.7 13.5 14.8 16.9 18.0 15.5 
 Germany  2.4 2.1 2.5 4.1 4.3 4.7 2.4 
 Spain  1.4 1.3 1.7 2.7 2.4 3.1 2.5 
 Denmark  1.1 0.8 1.3 1.1 2.3 2.0 0.8 
 United Kingdom  1.2 0.8 1.4 0.7 1.9 1.8 1.1 
 Italy 1.4 1.3 1.7 1.6 1.7 1.6 1.7 
 EFTA 0.5 1.1 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 
 Switzerland  0.4 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 
 Norway  0.1 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 
 Other  Europe  0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.9 0.7 
 Turkey  0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.9 0.7 
Commonwealth of Independent States 
(CIS)  1.4 5.1 1.3 0.6 0.8 0.4 0.5 
Russian Federation  1.3 5.1 1.2 0.5 0.7 0.4 0.5 
Africa  5.0 3.4 8.2 6.7 5.0 6.5 2.9 
 Nigeria  1.2 2.9 5.0 4.4 4.5 2.9 2.2 
 Angola  0.0 0.0 2.7 1.9 0.0 2.8 0.0 
 Egypt  0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.2 
Middle East 0.6 0.9 1.9 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.3 
 Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  0.0 0.0 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 
 Oman  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 
 Israel  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 
Asia 20.5 21.2 24.5 25.8 27.3 25.7 27.5 
 China  13.4 14.3 16.9 18.5 18.4 18.8 20.0 
 Japan  0.9 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.9 0.7 0.8 
 Other  Asia 6.2 6.0 6.8 6.6 7.9 6.1 6.7 
 India 1.1 1.3 1.4 1.6 2.8 1.9 2.2 
 Korea, Republic of  1.9 1.5 1.9 2.0 2.2 1.3 1.3 
 Viet Nam  0.3 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.7 
 Chinese Taipei  1.0 1.1 1.2 0.8 0.7 0.5 0.5 
 Indonesia  0.5 0.4 0.2 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.4 
 Thailand  0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3 
Other  0.7 1.4 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 
Free zones  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Other  0.5 1.3 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 
Source:  Comtrade database and BCU.  
  WT/TPR/S/3 74/Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 125 - 
  Table A2. 1 Notifications submitted to the WTO, 1 January 2012 to March 2018  
Agreements and 
Articles  Description  Frequency  WTO document  
(latest if periodic)  Date  
Agreement on Agriculture  
Articles 18.2 (ES:1 and 
ES:2)  Export subsidies  Annual  G/AG/N/URY/59  02/05/2016  
Article 18.2 (DS:1)  Domestic support  Annual  G/AG/N/URY/61  04/05/2016  
Article 18.3 (DS:2)  Domestic support  Annual  G/AG/N/URY/52  10/06/2013  
Articles 5.7 and 18.2 
(MA:5)  Special safeguard  Annual  G/AG/N/URY/62  04/05/2018  
Agreement on Rules of  Origin  
Article 5 and Annex II.4  Modifications of preferential rules 
of origin; new preferential rules 
of origin  Ad hoc  G/RO/N/108  19/09/2013  
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures  
 Replies to the questionnaire on 
import licensing procedures  Annual  G/LIC/N/3/URY/9  30/03/2016  
Quantitative restrictions  
G/L/59/Rev.1  List of restrictions  Biennial  G/MA/QR/N/URY/2  11/11/2016  
Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT (anti -dumping)  
Article 16.4  Anti-dumping actions 
(preliminary and definitive)  Ad hoc  G/ADP/N/232  10/08/2012  
Article 16.4  Anti-dumping actions (taken in 
the preceding six months)  Semi-annual  G/ADP/N/272  25/02/2016  
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  
Article 25.11  Countervailing duty acti ons 
(taken in the preceding 
six months)  Semi-annual  G/SCM/N/281  
G/SCM/N/281/Add.1  12/12/2014  
24/04/2015  
Article 25.1 and 
Article  16.1 Subsidies  Annual  G/SCM/N/253/URY  
G/SCM/N/260/URY  26/07/2013  
26/07/2013  
Article 27.4  Extension of the transition period 
for the elimination of export 
subsidies  Annual  G/SCM/N/275/URY  20/08/2014  
Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  
Article 7, Annex B  Sanitary and phytosanitary 
regulations  Ad hoc  G/SPS/N/URY/17  04/04/2012  
G/SPS/N/URY/32  16/03/2018  
Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade  
Article 2.9  Technical regulations  Ad hoc  G/TBT/N/URY/7  27/01/2015  
G/TBT/N/URY/21  23/10/2017  
Article 2.10  Technical regulations (urgent)  Ad hoc  G/TBT/N/URY/16  21/07/2017  
GATT 1994  
Article XVII:4 (a) Activities of State trading 
enterprises  Annual  (on a 
three-year basis 
for complete 
notifications and 
annual in the 
case of 
changes)  G/STR/N/4/URY  12/07/2013  
G/STR/N/7/URY  
G/STR/N/10/URY  
G/STR/N/11/URY  
G/STR/N/12/URY  
G/STR/N/13/URY  
Article XXVIII:5  Modification of schedules 
(reservation of the right to 
modify the schedules during a 
three-year period)  On a three -year 
basis G/MA/335  24/05/2017  
Article VII  
22.2  Valuation for customs purposes  
Domestic legal system  Ad hoc G/VAL/N/1/URY/2  05/11/2012  
Article VII  
Decision A.3  Notification on the treatment of 
interest charges  Ad hoc  G/VAL/N/3/URY/2  05/11/2012  
Article VII  
Decision A.4  Notification on the valuation of 
computer software  Ad hoc  G/VAL/N/3/URY/1  05/11/2012  
General Agreement on Trade in Services  
Article V.7(a)  Economic integration agreement  Ad hoc  S/C/N/701  02/07/2013  
Exemption for LDCs in 
the services sector 
(WT/L/847)   Once S/C/N/857  20/01/2016  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 126 - 
  Agreements and 
Articles  Description  Frequency  WTO document  
(latest if periodic)  Date  
Agreement on Trade -Related Aspects of Intellectual Property  Rights  
TRIPS Article 63.2  Laws and regulations  Once/  
Ad hoc  IP/N/1/URY/E/1; 
IP/N/1/URY/P/5; 
IP/N/1/URY/T/2  06/01/2012  
IP/N/1/URY/E/2; 
IP/N/1/URY/O/2  06/01/2012  
IP/N/1/URY/E/3;  
IP/N/1/URY/T/4  06/01/2012  
IP/N/1/URY/I/5  06/01/2012  
IP/N/1/URY/I/6  06/01/2012  
IP/N/1/URY/P/4; 
IP/N/1/URY/T/1  06/01/2012  
IP/N/1/URY/T/3  06/01/2012  
IP/N/1/URY/I/7  28/08/2012  
IP/N/1/URY/6  
IP/N/1/URY/I/8  15/04/2015  
   IP/N/1/URY/7;  
IP/N/1/URY/I/8/Add.1  15/04/2015  
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  
Article 15  Commitments designated under 
Category A  Once WT/PCTF/N/URY/1  31/07/2014  
Trade and Development (Enabling Clause)  
Paragraph 4(a)  Notification of a regional trade 
agreement  Ad hoc  WT/COMTD/N/53  
WT/COMTD/N/55  19/06/2017  
20/07/2017  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
  WT/TPR/S/3 74/Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 127 - 
  Table A3. 1 Special registration requirements for importing specified products, 2018  
Product  Requi rement  Registration/issuing 
authority  Legal basis  
Insecticides, acaricides, 
nematicides, rodenticides, 
bactericides, fungicides, 
and plant growth 
regulators and products for 
similar agricultural use  Registration of the product;  
marketing authorization  Ministry of Livestock, 
Agriculture and Fisheries 
(MGAP)  Decree No.  149 of 5  March 1977 
DNA Order No.  106/2014 
(Phytosanitary)  
Fertilisers  Registration of the product   Law No.  13.663 of 14  June 1968 
Law No.  13.640 of 26  December  1967 
Law No.  18.719 of 27  December  2010 
Law No.  19.149 of 24  October  2013  
Biological control agents  Registration of the product;  
marketing authorization   Law No.  191.49 of 24  October  2013 
Decree No.  170/2007  
Inoculants  Registration of the product;  
marketing authorization   Law No.  19.149 of 24  October  2013 
Decree No.  23/2/61  
Decree No.  7/99 
Resolution No. 04/2013  
Medicines and other 
related products, raw 
materials, semi -processed 
medicines and cosmetics 
for human use (including 
sunscreens and insect 
repellents applied to the 
skin classified as 
cosmetics)  Registration of the 
importer; registration of 
the bulk product  
authorization certificate 
from the country of origin  Division of Sanitary 
Evaluation of Health 
Products, Department  of 
Medicines and Department 
of Foodstuffs, Cosmetics 
and Household Hygiene 
Products in the Ministry of 
Public Health (MSP)  Decree -Law No.  15.443 of 
5 July 1983; Decree No.  521 of 
22 November  1984; Decree No.  324 
of 12 October  1999 (for medicines).  
Cosmeti cs: Decree No.  95/90 (for 
cosmetics), MSP Ordinance No.  450, 
Decree No.  428/07 and Decree 
No. 540/07  
The registration of pharmaceuticals 
registered and manufactured in a 
producing State Party, similar to 
products registered in the receiving 
State party wit hin the MERCOSUR 
framework, is governed by the 
regulations approved by GMC 
Resolution No.  23/95  
Medical equipment and 
therapeutic devices, 
diagnostic reagents  Authorization and 
registration of the 
importer/distributor and 
registration of the product 
in accordance with the 
regulations  Department of Technology 
Evaluation in the Ministry 
of Public Health  Decree No.  165 of 8  June 1999 and 
Decree No.  3/2008  
Ophthalmic glass lenses 
(or their plastic 
substitutes) whether or 
not coloured, for 
therapeutical or p rotective 
use 
(not intraocular, not 
disposable)  Registration of the importer 
of the optical articles  Optical Sector, Sanitary 
Evaluation Division (MSP)  Decree No.  474 of 30  July 1968 
DNA General Resolution No.  86/2016 
(Control procedure for the importation  
of ophthalmic optical devices)  
Beverages (non -alcoholic 
beverages, mineral waters 
and sodas, other 
non-alcoholic beverages)  Registration of the importer 
and the product  Food Regulation Service or 
Bromatology Service in the 
relevant departmental 
governmen ts for beverages 
with nutritive sweeteners 
and waters and Food 
Department in the MSP for 
beverages with 
non-nutritive sweeteners 
and bottled waters  Decree No.  184 of 3  June 2004 
Household hygiene 
products  Registration of the importer 
and the product; 
authorization certificate 
from the country of origin  Department of Foodstuffs, 
Cosmetics and Household 
Hygiene Products in the 
MSP Decree No.  307 of 2  August  2001 
Decree No.  311/999 of 
15 October  1999 
Medical equipment 
emitting ionizing radiation  Authorization and 
registration of the 
importer/distributor and 
registration of the product 
in accordance with the 
regulations  Department of Technology 
Evaluation in the MSP and 
the National Directorate of 
Nuclear Technology 
(DINATEN) in the Ministry 
of Ind ustry, Energy and 
Mining  Decree No.  53/004 of 
12 February  2004 
Decree No.  165 of 8  June 1999 and 
Decree No.  3/2008 of 1  January  2008 
DNA General Resolution No.  61/2016 
(Procedure for controlling negatives 
and registration provisions of the MSP 
for the Impo rtation of Medical 
Equipment and Devices)  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 128 - 
  Product  Requi rement  Registration/issuing 
authority  Legal basis  
Paints, varnishes, printers' 
inks and masterbatches  Registration of the importer 
and labelling requirement  Ministry of Housing, Land 
Management and the 
Environment 
(MVOTMA)/DINAMA  Law No.  17.775/2004 and Decree 
No. 69/11 of 15  February  2011.  
DNA General Resolution No.  73/2014 
(Procedure for controlling the 
authorization granted by the National 
Directorate of the Environment in the 
MVOTMA, for the importation of 
paints containing lead)  
Finished or preformed 
package s or their raw 
materials  Registration of the importer  MVOTMA/DINAMA  Law No.  18.996 of 7  November  2011 
DNA General Resolution No.  44/2014 
(Control procedure for the importation 
of products which must comply with 
the requirements for the 
environmental management of wastes 
derived from the use of chemical or 
biological products in agriculture, 
vegetable and fruit growing and 
forestry)  
DNA Order No.  11/2011 (Procedure 
for requesting authorization to import 
products and packaging outright)  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/3 74/Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 129 - 
  Table A3. 2 Special requirements for importing specified products  
Product  Special requirement  Legal basis  
Oils Inspection must be through the red 
channel.  Decree No.  275/001 of 17  July 2001 
Edible refined 
vegetable oil  Inspection must be through the red 
channel and samples must be taken for 
analysis.  Decree No.  469/001 of 30  November  2001 
Refined sugar for 
industrial use  Customs control.  Decree No.  57/006 of 25  March  2006 and  
Decree No. 58/016 of 29  February  2016 
Textile products 
from countries not 
belonging to 
MERCOSUR (as of 
1 February  2001)  Customs control and taking of samples for 
technical analysis (for some products).  O/D (Order) No.  54/000 of 
23 November  2000 
DNA O/D No.  16/20 15 (Procedure for 
declaring textile product import certificates, 
granted by the National Directorate of 
Industry in the Ministry of Industry, Energy 
and Mining).  
Footwear 
(Chapter  64 of the 
NCM)  Customs control.  
For heading HS  6403 customs control via 
the red channel may be required.  
Up until 2015 samples had to be taken 
when the National Directorate of Industry 
(DNI) so required.  Decree No.  265 of 11  July 2001 and Decree 
No. 251/005 of 15  August  2005 
Decree No.  257/2003 and DNA O/D 
No. 22/2004 (Computer connection with the 
National Directorate of Industry for 
controlling the footwear import licence)  
Decree No.  101/013 of 2  April 2013 
Whisky  Special customs transit procedure, 
including use of a special form and 
deposit of 140% of the customs value.  
 O/D N o. 79/996 of 6  September  1996; 
Decree No.  353/996 of 5  September  1996; 
Decree No.  471/996 of 5  December  1996 
Cigars, cigarettes 
and tobacco 
(NCM  24.02)  Special customs transit procedure, 
including use of a special form and 
deposit of 100% of the customs v alue. O/D No.  79/996 of 6  September  1996; 
Decree No.  353/996 of 5  September  1996; 
Decree No.  471/996 of 5  December  1996 
Natural gas  All import and transit DUAs are dealt with 
by the Colonia Customs Administration.  
Clearance takes place the following month  
and customs clearing agents and 
importing firms have a period of ten 
calendar days in which to submit the 
DUAs corresponding to the immediately 
preceding month.  DNA (O/D) No.  160/002, December  2002 
O/D No.  23/2015 (Control procedure for the 
importation of  products controlled by the 
National Fuel, Alcohol and Portland Cement 
Authority (ANCAP).  
Phonograms  Certificate issued by the Uruguayan 
General Association of Authors (AGADU), 
showing that they meet the copyright 
requirements, unless there is already a 
contract with the AGADU, except for: 
phonographic equipment solely for 
broadcasting purposes (a maximum of 
three copies of each phonogram) by 
broadcasting companies; parcels sent by 
international post for non -commercial 
purposes.  Decree No.  154/004 of 3  May 2004 
Mobile telephones  DJAC code attached to the DUA, showing 
the identifying number and the serial 
number of each article.  Decree No.  131/003 of 9  April 2003; DNA 
Communication No.  2/003 of 22  April 2003 
DNA General Resolution No.  85/2014  
(Procedures f or declaring certificates for the 
importation of radio equipment and the 
duty-free importation of equipment by 
concessionaires of the radio and television 
broadcasting service for subscribers, granted 
by the URSEC)  
Source:  Information provided by the auth orities.  
  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 130 - 
  Table A3. 3 Summary of the MFN tariff, 2018  
Product description  MFN 
Bound tariff  
(range)a 
(%) Number 
of lines  Average  
(%) Range  
(%) Coefficient 
of variation  
(CV)  
Total  11,922  9.4 0 - 35 0.8 6 - 55 
HS 01 -24 1,803  10.2 0 - 35 0.5 6 - 55 
HS 25 -97 10,119  9.3 0 - 35 0.8 10 - 35 
By WTO category       
Agricultural products  1,512  9.6 0 - 35 0.6 6 - 55 
- Animals and animal products  296 8.9 0 - 16 0.5 12 - 55 
- Dairy produce  47 17.9 12 - 28 0.3 20 - 55 
- Fruit, vegetables and garden produce  311 9.4 0 - 35 0.5 6 - 55 
- Coffee and tea  39 13.8 0 - 20 0.4 21 - 35 
- Cereals and cereal preparations  163 11.3 0 - 20 0.5 21 - 55 
- Oil seeds, fats and oils and their products  149 8.3 0 - 25 0.6 15 - 35 
- Sugar and confectionery  25 17.2 5 - 35 0.4 25 - 35 
- Beverages, alcohol and tobacco  92 16.1 0 - 20 0.3 19.5 - 35 
- Cotton  7 6.3 6 - 8 0.1 35 - 35 
- Other agricultural products n.e.s.  383 6.8 0 - 14 0.6 6 - 35 
Non-agricultural products (including petroleum)  10,410  9.4 0 - 35 0.8 10 - 35 
- Non-agricultural products (excluding petroleum)  10,383  9.4 0 - 35 0.8 10 - 35 
- - Fish and fish products  536 10.2 0 - 16 0.2 35 - 35 
- - Mineral products and metals  1,398  9.9 0 - 20 0.6 15 - 35 
- - Chemicals and photographic products  3,329  7.0 0 - 18 0.8 15 - 35 
- - Wood, wood pulp, paper and furniture  462 10.0 0 - 18 0.6 12 - 35 
- - Textiles  983 16.1 0 - 35 0.3 20 - 35 
- - Clothing  287 20.0 20 - 20 0.0 25 - 35 
- - Leather, rubber, footwear and travel articles  445 15.3 0 - 35 0.5 20 - 35 
- - Non-electrical machinery  1,265  3.9 0 - 20 1.7 18 - 35 
- - Electrical machinery  691 9.3 0 - 20 0.9 18 - 35 
- - Transport equipment  245 9.9 0 - 23 0.9 10 - 35 
- - Non-agricultural products n.e.s.  742 10.8 0 - 20 0.8 20 - 35 
- Petroleum  27 0.4 0 - 6 3.6 35 - 35 
By ISIC sectorb      
Agriculture and fishing  681 6.8 0 - 16 0.6 6 - 55 
Mining  131 3.2 0 - 10 0.6 35 - 35 
Manufacturing  11,109  9.6 0 - 35 0.8 10 - 55 
By HS S ection       
01 Live animals; animal products  863 9.3 0 - 28 0.4 10 - 55 
02 Vegetable products  447 7.6 0 - 14 0.5 6 - 55 
03 Fats and oils  94 10.3 0 - 25 0.4 15 - 35 
04 Prepared foodstuffs, etc.  399 15.0 0 - 35 0.3 19.5 - 55 
05 Mineral products  209 2.4 0 - 6 0.8 35 - 35 
06 Products of the chemical or allied industries  3,098  6.7 0 - 18 0.8 15 - 35 
07 Plastics and rubber  502 10.7 0 - 18 0.6 20 - 35 
08 Raw hides and skins; leather  320 12.3 2 - 20 0.5 15 - 35 
09 Wood and articles of wood  167 7.3 0 - 14 0.6 12 - 35 
10 Pulp of wood, paper, etc.  257 10.4 0 - 16 0.6 20 - 35 
11 Textiles and textile articles  1,313  16.1 0 - 20 0.3 20 - 35 
12 Footwear and headgear  105 24.1 0 - 35 0.3 25 - 35 
13 Articles of stone  283 11.0 0 - 20 0.4 20 - 35 
14 Precious stones, etc.  72 9.6 0 - 18 0.7 27.5 - 35 
15 Base metals  and articles of base metal  842 11.5 0 - 20 0.5 15 - 35 
16 Machinery and mechanical appliances  1,980  5.9 0 - 20 1.3 18 - 35 
17 Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated 
transport equipment  259 9.7 0 - 23 0.9 10 - 35 
18 Precision instruments  499 8.4 0 - 20 1.0 20 - 35 
19 Arms and ammunition  18 20.0 20 - 20 0.0 35 - 35 
20 Miscellaneous manufactured articles  186 17.5 0 - 20 0.2 20 - 35 
21 Works of art, etc.  9 4.0 4 - 4 0.0 35 - 35 
a The tariff bindings are in the HS 2012 nomenclature and the applied tariff is in the HS 2017 
nomenclature; consequently, there may be differences between the numbers of lines included in 
each of the analyses.  
b ISIC (Rev.2), excluding electricity (one lin e).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by the authorities.  
  WT/TPR/S/3 74/Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 131 - 
  Table A3. 4 Plant and animal health legislation, 2018  
Legislation  
Law No.  3.606 of 13  April 1910 and amendments thereto:  
Law on Police Rules relating to Animal Health. This is the basic law, the foundation for all the regulations concerning anima l 
health and veterinary public health.  
Law No.  3.921 of 28  October  1911 and amendments thereto:  
Creation of the Central Agricultu ral Protection Committee - Control of imports and exports of plant products.  
Law No.  16.736 of 5  January  1996:  
Creating and establishing the competence of the Central Agricultural Protection Committee - Control of imports and exports of 
plant products.  
Law No.  13.640 of 26  December  1967:  
Provides for the MGAP to control the materials or products for agricultural use sold, in order to verify the terms of sale, 
composition and end use.  
Law No.  16.170 of 28  December  1990:  
Empowers the Government to prohib it the use, sale or export of plants, products or by -products of plant origin polluted with 
pesticide residues at levels exceeding those laid down in the Codex Alimentarius  or by the relevant requirements of the country 
of destination.  
Law No.  16.811 of 2 1 February  1997:  
Declaring the obtaining, production, movement and domestic and foreign marketing of seeds and phytogenetic creations to be 
matters of national interest.  
Creating the National Seed Institute (INASE).  
Law No.  17.314 of 9  April 2001:  
Approvi ng the New Revised Text of the International Plant Protection Convention.  
Law No.  18.362 of 6  October  2008:  
Regulates matters relating to the importation of animals and animal products and provides for: (a) the inspection by the 
Sanitary Authority of all animals and animal products introduced into the country through the ports and authorized border 
crossings; (b) compulsory quarantine (within the quarantine station) for animals from abroad; (c) a series of prohibitions wh ich 
may be adopted if the animal pr oducts come from countries with contagious diseases or which fail to take the necessary 
precautionary measures.  
Law No.  18.719 of 27  December  2010:  
Empowers the MGAP to make the use, manufacturing, formulation, processing, entry, exit or marketing of mate rials or products 
for agricultural or livestock use and of those used as animal feed conditional upon prior registration by and the authorizati on 
of the MGAP through the competent executive units, under the terms, time -limits and conditions laid down in th e regulations. 
The establishments in which the materials or products cited in this law are manufactured, formulated and processed must be 
authorized by the MGAP; the latter shall control the activities mentioned above in order to verify that the conditions  on which 
the authorizations were granted are observed or that the requirements of the countries of destination are met, as appropriate . 
The MGAP shall also exercise control over and regulate the technical conditions which must be met by equipment for use in the 
agricultural sector. The Law empowers the MGAP's DGSA and DGSG to carry out controls and prohibit the consumption, use, 
marketing, sale, import, export or any other form of entry into or exit from Uruguay of products or by -products of animal or 
plant origin and animal feed containing residues of phytosanitary products, veterinary products or biological residues or other 
pollutants, at levels exceeding those determined in the hygiene and health provisions and safety provisions for human or anim al 
food at the national level or, failing that, in the Codex Alimentarius  or in the provisions of the country of destination, whichever 
applies.  
Law No.  18.834 of 4  November  2011 and Law No.  18.996 of 7  November  2012:  
The MGAP shall determine the hygiene and health and phytosanitary conditions required for the certification of processes and 
products.  
Law No.  19.149 of 24  October  2013:  
Provides for the DGSA to determine the control, certification and verification processes for the entry or exit of plants and 
products of plant origin into and from the national territory.  
Law No.  19.175 of 20  December  2013:  
Defines fishing and establishes the permit and authorization regime for the processing, marketing and transport of products.  
Law No.  19.355 of 19  December  2015: 
Created Executive Unit 009 "Directorate -General of Food Safety", whose task is to coordinate and implement the animal and 
plant health control systems with respect to persons, crews, baggage and vehicles entering Uruguay by any means of transport,  
whether by sea, river, land or air.  
Created the Poultry Health and Safety Coordinating Unit within the DGSG, whose task is to implement the strengthening of 
epidemiological surveillance programmes for diseases of importance in international trade that affect poultry production and 
public health, together with, inter alia , microbiological control and biological residue programmes.  
Decrees  
Decree No.  367/968 of 6  June 1968:  
Empowers the MGAP to regulate and, where applicable, prohibit the application and end u se of pesticides to be employed for 
purposes of animal and plant health, when these are considered harmful to public health.  
Decree No.  149/977 of 15  March  1977:  
Regulates the registration, control and sale of pesticides for agricultural use.  
Decree No. 915/88 of 28  December  1988:  
Prohibits the import, manufacture, sale or use of veterinary medicines to promote the growth or fattening of bovine animals, 
sheep, pigs, horses and poultry.  
Decree No.  113/990 of 21  February  1990:  
Provides that any natural  or legal person preparing or marketing the products covered by Decree No.  149/977 must be 
registered with the DGSA within the time -limits and under the terms and conditions determined, and imposes requirements 
concerning the sale of pesticides presenting a maximum risk for human health and the environment.  
Decree No.  393/990 of 27  August  1990:  
Imposes requirements for importation under the temporary admission procedure of products containing pesticides to treat fruit  
for export.  
Decree No.  328/993 of 9  July 1993:  
Provides for the MGAP to control animal feed for the purpose of verifying its composition, quality and end use.  
Decree No.  149/997 of 7  May 1997:  
Specifies certain conditions for engaging in fishing and marketing activities.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 132 - 
  Legislation  
Decree No.  213/997 of 18 June 1997:  
Regulates the hygiene and sanitary aspects of fishery and aquatic hunting products.  
Decree No.  160/997 of 21  May 1997:  
Approves the regulatory framework for veterinary products.  
Decree No.  457/001 of 22  November  2001:  
Regulates the air s praying of phytosanitary products and companies engaged in such activities.  
Decree No.  264/004 of 28  July 2004:  
Regulates the application of phytosanitary products on land and companies engaged in such activities.  
Decree No.  294/004 of 11  August  2004:  
Imposes criteria for the labelling of phytosanitary products.  
Decree No.  317/007 of 27  August  2007:  
Introduces amendments to the regulatory framework in effect on applications for registration of phytosanitary products.  
Decree No.  353 of 21  July 2008, Decree No.  535 of 3  November  2008 and Decree No.  280 of 8  June 2009:  
Create a regulatory framework for genetically modified living organisms.  
Decree No.  576/009 of 15  December  2009:  
Entrusts to the MGAP's DGSG the investigation of veterinary medicine resi dues and environmental pollutants in agricultural 
establishments and animal product manufacturing plants.  
Decree No.  188/2010 of 14  June 2010:  
Prohibits the import, manufacture, sale or use of veterinary medicines formulated on the basis of oxytetracyclin e for use with 
bees.  
Decree No.  98/2011 of 2  March  2011:  
Prohibits the import, manufacture, marketing or use of animal feed containing antibiotics for bovine and ovine species in ord er 
to boost growth.  
Decree No.  199/013 of 8  July 2013:  
Regulates the hyg iene-sanitary and technological conditions for the authorization of abattoirs and establishments processing 
meat and meat products for export.  
Decree No.  215/013 of 25  July 2013:  
Prohibits the import, export, manufacturing, sale, use, possession and marketing of the substances carbadox and olaquinox 
whether separately or in association with other chemical products.  
Decree No.  281/013 of 3  September  2013:  
Broadening of the scope of the measures for controlling establishments manufacturing feed for rum inants imposed to prevent 
and monitor transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE).  
Decree No.  326/013 of 4  October  2013:  
Updates the registers of tick control products containing in their formulation macrocyclic lactones, at a concentration excee ding 
1% and with recommended doses exceeding 200 mcg/kg live weight.  
Decree No.  24/017 of 1  February  2017:  
Establishes the Equine Health Committee (MSE) within the MGAP's DGSG.  
Decree No.  137/017 of 23  May 2017:  
Updates the regulations on the marketing of ani mals through virtual auctions or on screen, which are subject to the control of 
the MGAP's DGSG.  
Decree No.  148/017 of 5  June 2017:  
Adjusts the strategy of the programme for the eradication of bovine brucellosis on Uruguayan territory.  
Resolutions  
Directorate of Plant Health Resolution of 27  April 1988:  
Regulates the conditions for authorization of changes of origin in the register of pesticides.  
MGAP Resolution of 27  November  1988:  
Prohibits the import and use of chloramphenicol.  
DGSA/DGSG Resolu tion No.  05/2001 of 22  June 2001:  
Creates the Advisory Commission on the import of animal feed.  
DGSA Resolution of 25  May 2004:  
Approves a new import procedure for phytosanitary products.  
DGSA Resolution of 29  June 2004:  
Provides for the inclusion of precautionary wording in labels for phytosanitary products.  
MGAP Resolution of 19  January  2005:  
Approves the standard "Certification system for wood packaging", domestic implementation of NIMF No.  15. 
DGSA Resolution of 29  June 2006 
Establishes special r equirements for the entry of wood packaging into the national territory.  
MGAP Resolution No.  389/2010 of 22  April 2010:  
Regulates the marketing, import and use of veterinary products with a therapeutic indication for super -ovulation, cell  induction, 
ovula tion and control of the reproductive function in animals not intended for fattening.  
The marketing, import, use and possession of estradiol -based hormonal products are restricted.  
DGSA Resolution No.  35/011 of 26  October  2011:  
Updates the phytosanitary requirements for the entry of substrates.  
MGAP Resolution of 18  November  2013:  
Creates the National Register of Commercial Operators dedicated to the import and export of animals and animal products.  
DGSA Resolution No.  121 of 16  December  2015:  
Provides for measures to manage black spot in plots producing citrus fruit for export and makes the authorization of the plots 
subject to this requirement.  
DGSA Resolution No.  122 of 16  December  2015:  
Provides for non -authorization of plots producing citrus fruit for export to the EU which suffered black spot outbreaks during 
2015.  
DGSA Resolution of 18  January  2016:  
Approves the "Phytosanitary Certification System for Citrus Fruit for Export".  
MGAP Resolution No.  183/016 of 31  March  2016:  
Temporarily suspends the registration of veterinary products containing ethion in their formulation, pending approval of the 
renewal of the respective registers.  
DGSA Resolution No.  98 of 15  November  2016:  
Determines the phytosanitary requirements for th e introduction into the country of used machinery, equipment and implements 
for use in agriculture, forestry and gardening.  WT/TPR/S/3 74/Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 133 - 
  Legislation  
DGSA Resolution No.  101 of 28  November  2016:  
Approves the list of products of plant origin that fall within phytosanitary risk cate gories 0, 1 and 2.  
DGSA Resolution No.  36 of 6  April 2017:  
Establishes a system for ensuring the safety of grain consignments marketed in Uruguay, on both the domestic and export 
markets, and approves the operating procedure for the control and prevention  of grain with the presence of artificially coloured 
grains or fragments.  
DGSA Resolution No.  37 of 6  April 2017:  
Creates the Register of grain and by -product inspectors.  
DGSA Resolution No.  38 of 6  April 2017:  
Establishes mandatory pre -shipment control  for exports of grain and by -products.  
MGAP Resolution No.  325 of 5  May 2017:  
Extends the temporary suspension of the registration of veterinary products containing ethion in their formulation pending 
approval of the renewal of the respective registers.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 134 - 
  Table A3. 5 Investigations of anti -competitive practices by the Commission for the 
Promotion and Protection of Competition, 2012 -2018  (March  2018)  
Product/market  Type of practice  Outcome  
2012    
Breakdown services market  Tied sales  Conduct not confirmed  
Tendering for the supply tomato pulp 
(Centralized Procurement Unit (UCA))  Collusion  Conduct not confirmed  
Bidding for medicines  Collusion  Conduct not confirmed  
Technological content applications market  Refusal of access  Determined that the competent 
body was the URSEC  
Night -time recreational facilities market  Applying unequal conditions to third 
parties  Conduct not confirmed  
Fresh milk market  Barriers to mobility between dairy 
industries  Conduct not confirmed  
Inhaler devices market  Predatory prices  Conduct not confirmed  
Bicycle rental market  Predatory prices  Conduct not confirmed  
2013    
Food distribution  Refusal to distribute  Conduct not confirmed  
Services for transferring persons, goods and/or 
materials to vessels  Unequal treatment in the collection of 
taxes  A recommendation was issued  
Steel pipe market  Predatory prices  Conduct not confirmed  
Drilling pump and metering pump market  Design of open t endering procedure: 
unjustified requirements  Conduct not confirmed  
2014    
Market for the supply of intermediation services 
for taximetered transport in the department of 
Montevideo  Anti-competitive restrictions on the part 
of the taxi drivers union in relation to the 
use of applications for requesting the 
service  Cessation of the conduct 
ordered and a fine of 100,000 
IU imposed  
Wholesale market supplying supermarket 
chains selling concentrated juices in powder 
form for distribution to end consumers in 
Uruguay  Refusal of a supermarket chain to 
purchase products  Conduct not confirmed  
Television set market  Minimum resale price fixing  Fines imposed. Definitive 
cessation of the conduct ordered  
Market for the collection and transport of 
sanitary wastes in the national territory and 
market for the treatment and final disposal of 
sanitary wastes in the national territory  Collusion  Conduct not confirmed  
Open tendering for the purchase of lubricating 
oils for supplying power stations  Direct procurement by the electricity 
company  Conduct not confirmed  
Livestock market  Study of the livestock market, especially 
the purchase of cattle on the hoof, by the 
meat cold -storage industry  Conduct not confirmed  
Government procurement regulations  Study of the government procurement 
regulations concerning exceptions  Recommendation advising that 
as far as possible recourse to 
direct negotiation should be 
avoided and competitive 
procedures adopted  as the rule  
2015    
Private passenger transport mark et Unfair competition and predatory 
practices  Conduct not confirmed  
Open tendering for identification tags for cattle  Direct procurement by the Ministry of 
Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries  Conduct not confirmed  
Damaged vehicle repair market  Exclusion  of the complainant from the 
suppliers' register as a workshop 
authorized to repair damaged vehicles  Conduct not confirmed  
Renault spare parts market  Vertical restrictions on access to the 
supply of spare parts for repairing 
Renault vehicles within the guarantee 
period  Conduct not confirmed.  
Non-binding recommendation 
for vehicle insurance companies  
Medical prescriptions market  Issuing of electronic prescriptions by two 
mutuals thereby preventing medicines 
from being purchased in the users' 
pharmacy of choice  Anti-competitive conduct not 
confirmed  
Ferrous scrap market  Prohibition on exporting ferrous scrap 
imposed by decree  Recommendation that restriction 
be reviewed  
2016    
Bidding for medicines  Collusion  Practice not confirmed  
Private passenger transport market  Unfair competition through 
non-compliance with the tax, social 
security and municipal regulations  No basis for prohibiting or 
penalizing the conduct forming 
the subject of the complaint  
Private passenger transport market  Registration of trademark  Practice not confirmed  
Port services market for container loading and 
unloading  Refusal of ANP to allow the installation of 
portal cranes by the company Montecon  Non-binding recommendation 
for ANP  
Market for the collection, transport and 
proce ssing of hospital waste  Predatory prices in tendering by the State 
Services Authority  Practice not confirmed  
Medicinal oxygen market  Predatory prices in tendering by the UCA  Invitation to tender invalidated  
Construction materials market  Guaranteed low prices policy  Practice not confirmed  WT/TPR/S/3 74/Rev.1  • Uruguay  
- 135 - 
  Product/market  Type of practice  Outcome  
Sewage treatment market  Obstruction of access and unfair 
competition  Practice not confirmed  
Beer market  Exclusivity agreements with retailers  Cessation of conduct ordered. 
Fine of 15  million IU  
River passenger transport market 
Montevideo -Buenos Aires via port of Colonia  Collaboration agreement between river 
transport companies  Practice not confirmed  
Market for secondary domestic and imported 
whiskies in Uruguay  Predatory prices  Practice not confirmed  
Study of  the regulations governing the 
provision of driving lessons for drivers through 
driving schools  Restrictions on the establishment of 
schools and aspects relating to the 
provision of the service  Non-binding recommendation  
Harbour pilot market  Restrictions on the use of launches for 
transporting harbour pilots  Non-binding recommendation  
Breakdown services market  Tied sales  Investigation not ended  
2017    
Public bidding for cleaning services  Predatory prices  Investigation not ended  
Damaged vehicle repair  market  Unilateral price fixing in the repair of 
damaged vehicles  Investigation not ended  
Medicinal oxygen market  Predatory prices  Investigation not ended  
Open tendering for identification tags  Illegal tender design  Investigation not ended  
Meat marke t Restrictions on the sale of meat on 
premises  Investigation not ended  
Supply of dried noodles through open tendering 
in Uruguay  Illegal UCA tendering  Practice not confirmed  
Study of draft amendment of Articles of the 
Departmental Digest relating to publicity and 
advertising in public spaces  Various restrictions on competition in the 
regulation of publicity and advertising  Technical reports submitted to 
the Departmental Council of 
Montevideo  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.    
  WT/TPR/S/374/Rev.1 • Uruguay  
 
- 136 - Table A3. 6 State enterprises, 2018  
Industrial and commercial  Creation  Functions  Regime  
National State Railways 
Authority (AFE)  Law No. 11.859 
of 11.09.1952  
Decree -Law No.  14.396 
of 10.07.1975  Railway services for the transport of passengers, freight and parcels; construction and 
maintenance of railway lines; supplementary services for travellers (restaurants, advertising, etc.) 
operation direct or through concessionaires  
Monopoly on railway services  
Law No. 18.832 
of 04.11.2010  Creation of the National Rail Transport Directorate  
National Fuel, Alcohol and 
Portland Cement Authority 
(ANCAP)  Law No. 8.764 of 
15.10.1931  Import and  refining of petroleum and petroleum products  Monopoly  
Distribution of petroleum products  Competition  
Cement manufacturing  Competition  
Import, manufacture, rectification, denaturing and sale of alcohols and alcoholic beverages  Monopoly on alcohols and 
some beverages  
Law No. 16.753 
of 13.6.1996  Repeal of alcohols monopoly (Article 1)  
Repeal of monopoly  Authorizes temporary/permanent partnership with public or private enterprises, together with the 
conclusion of contracts in order to perform non -monopoly tasks (Article 14)  
Law No. 18.834 
of 04.10.2010  Incorporates: preparation, manufacture and marketing of animal feed; derivatives of products and 
by-products of the biofuel production chain  
Decree -Law No.  14.181 
of 29.3.1974  Hydrocarbons Law  
Decree No. 584/93 
of 23.12.1993  Authorizes the MIEM to determine national policy in the field  
Resolution No. 489/98 
10.6.98  Transport service using the Uruguayan section of the Coastal Trunk Gas Pipeline for 30 years  
Monopoly  Law No. 17.296 
of 21.10.2002  Repeals the monopoly on the purchase of asphalts and asphaltic emulsions on the part of public 
agencies  
 Declares the production of alternative fuels derived from petroleum to be in the national interest  
Law No. 18.040 
of 04.10.2007  Subsidy for public passenger transport  
Decree No. 602/09 
of 23.12.2009  Restructuring of the ANCAP  
National Postal Authority 
(ANCO)  Charter  
Law No. 16.736 
of 05.01.1996  Provision of postal services: acceptance, transport and delivery of letter -post items and postal 
money orders  
Law No. 19.009 
of 20.11.2012  Regulatory framework for the sector  
National Ports Authority 
(ANP)  Law No. 5.495 
of 21.07.2016  Montevideo port services: loading and unloading; transport of goods; lighterage; towing; and 
salvage  Monopoly  
Law No. 16.246 
of 08.04.1992  Demonopolization of port services (Articles 2, 9, 10 and 11)  Repeal of monopoly  Granting of concessions subject to Government approval (Article 11)  
National 
Telecommunications 
Authority (ANTEL)  Decree -Law No.  14.235 
of 23.07.1974  Telecommunication services: telephony, telegraphy and telex  
Monopoly  Law No. 16.828 
of 09.05.1997  Authorizes the supply of services abroad, directly or in association with public or private 
enterprises, domestic or foreign   
  WT/TPR/S/374/Rev.1 • Uruguay  
 
- 137 - Industrial and commercial  Creation  Functions  Regime  
State Sanitary Works 
Authority (OSE)  Law No. 11.907 
of 19.12.1952  Provision of drinking water services throughout the national territory and sewerage services, apart 
from in Montevideo  
Monopoly  Law No. 18.840 
of 23.11.2011  Mandatory connection to the sewerage system  
Law No. 18.719, 
of 27.12.2010  Development of Alternative Energy Projects, Article 421  
Authorizes the OSE to sell electricity to the UTE using technical processes developed within the 
context of its functions, Article 340  
Primeras Líneas 
Uruguayas de Navegación 
Aérea (PLUNA)  Law No. 11.740 
of 08.11.1951  Operation of airlines for the transport of passengers, freight and mail  
Competition  
Semi-public company  Law No. 16.211 
of 27.09.1991  Partnership with private capital (Article 6)  
Decree No. 722/91 
of 30.12.1991  Authorization of partnership with private capital  
Decree No. 629/93 
of 31.03.1993  Authorization for conversion into a semi -public company (PLUNA SA)  
Continues as a company 
without functions  Decree No. 246/10 
of 23.06.2010  Extends the special redistribution regime to 27 June 2011  
Law No. 19.572 
of 15.12.2017  Abolishes PLUNA E.A. as of 31 December 2017  
Law No. 19.355 
of 19.12.2015  Liquidation (Articles 398 to 401)  
National Electricity Plants 
and Transmission 
Authority (UTE)  Law No. 4.273 
of 21.10.1912  Provision of electricity services  
Monopoly  Decree -Law No.  14.694 
of 01.09.1977  National Electricity Law  
Decree -Law No. 15.031 
of 04.07.1980  New Charter  
Law No. 16.211 
of 27.09.1991  Interconnection with private operators in generation and transmission lines (Article 26)  
Law No. 16.462 
of 02.01.1994  Participation abroad in the generation, transformation, transmission, distribution and marketing of 
electricity directly or in association with public or private enterprises, domestic or foreign 
(Article  265) 
Law No. 16.832 
of 17.06.1997  Regulatory framework for the sector  
Creation of the Electricity Regulatory Unit (UREE) (Article 2); of the Electricity Market Authority 
(ADME) (Article 4); and of the wholesale market (Article 11); non -discriminatory access to 
transmission and distribution (Article 12)  
Decrees 
No. 360/02,No.  276/02, 
No. 277/02 and No.  278/02  Wholesale market; general, transmission and distribution  
Decree No. 133/04  Extension of the period of exemption from all taxes on the purchase of fuels used in thermal 
generation  
Resolution No. 61/08 
of 1.2.2008  Exemption from all taxes/Decree No. 249/06  
Law No. 18.046 
of 24.10.2006  Incorporates the buying  and selling by UTE of electricity generated by other operators in the 
national territory in conformity with the regulations issued by the Government. Objections do not 
have suspensive effect other than by resolution of the higher authority    
  WT/TPR/S/374/Rev.1 • Uruguay  
 
- 138 - Industrial and commercial  Creation  Functions  Regime  
Resolution No. 471/07 
of 20.07.2007  Authorizes the generation of electricity from biomass for the national grid  
Decree No. 58/08 
of 01.02.2008  The purchase by the UTE of electrical energy and power from free zones is exempt from all 
surcharges, the single customs import tax, the handling charge and port dues and in general from 
all import taxes  
Law No. 18.719 
of 27.12.2010  Development of Alternative Energy Projects (Article 421)  
Uruguayan Mortgage Bank 
(BHU)  Charter  
Law No. 5.343 
of 22.10.2015 and 
amendments thereto  Issue of credit instruments on mortgages  Monopoly  
To issue bonds; to grant loans; to accept capital on deposit; to divide up and sell properties; etc.  Competition  
Law No. 17.523 
of 04.08.2002  Law on Strengthening the Banking System  
Creation of the Stability 
Fund for the Banking System 
(FESB)  Law No. 17.613 
of 27.12.2002  New Banks Law  
Law No. 18.125 
of 27.04.2007  Amends the Charter of the BHU  
Bank of the Eastern 
Republic of Uruguay 
(BROU)  Charter  
Law No. 9.808 
of 02.01.1939  Financial intermediation  
Monopoly relating to the 
deposits of public institutions  Law No. 17.523 
of 04.08.2002  Law on Strengthening the Banking System  
Creation of the Stability Fund for the Banking System (FESB)  
Law No. 17.613 
of 27.12.2002  New Banks Law  
Law No. 18.716 
of 24.12.2010  New Charter of the BROU  
State Insurance Bank 
(BSE)  Law No. 3.935 
of 27.12.2011  Insurance operations; invests in public debt and property  Monopoly  
Law No. 18.243 
of 27.12.2007  New Charter   
Law No. 16.074 
of 10.10.1989  Mandatory insurance against occupational accidents  Monopoly  
Law No. 16.426 
of 14.10.1993  Demonopolization of insurance, with the exception of bonds, occupational accidents and insurance 
taken out by State public persons   
Law No. 17.296 
of 21.2.2001  Article 614: Repeals all monopolies, with the exception of occupational accidents and occupational 
diseases   
Law No. 18.243 
of 27.12.2008  New Charter of the BSE   
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
   
  WT/TPR/S/374/Rev.1 • Uruguay  
 
- 139 - Table A3. 7 Public limited companies wholly or partially owned by the State, 2016  
Organization  Name  State participation  Main activity  
AFE Servicios Logísticos 
Ferroviarios S.A. (SeLF 
S.A.) 51% Rail freight transport services  
ANCAP  ALUR S.A.  90.79%  Production and marketing of sugar, ethanol, biodiesel, electricity and animal feed. (Owns 100% of 
Agroalur S.A.)  
ANCSOL SAFI  100%  Participates in companies that operate in the different phases of petroleum production in Argentina. 
(Owns 84.45% of Carboclor S.A. and 82.93% of Petrouruguay S.A.)  
Asistencia técnica y 
servicios S.A. (ATS S.A.)  99% Supplies consultancy, advisory and technical assistance services relating to industrial process 
management, administration, technology management, public administration, and business management 
and governance  
CABA S.A.  100%  Production, processing, splitting, marketing, distribution, import and export of alcoholic beverages, 
alcohols, sugar, molasses, spirits, derivatives and by -products, together with the  marketing and 
distribution of solvents, acetones, turpentine and other similar or analogous petroleum derivatives. (In 
process of combining the industrial part with ALUR S.A. and disposing of the rest of the businesses)  
CARBOCLOR S.A. (through 
Ancsol S.A.) 85.45%  Production and marketing of chemicals, petrochemicals and petroleum derivatives and supply of port, 
storage and logistical services.  
Company established in Argentina  
Cementos del Plata S.A.  99.80%  Purchase, distribution and marketing of cements, clinker and other products manufactured by ANCAP’s 
Portland Cement Division and the production and sale of lime in the Treinta y Tres Department. (Owns 
1% of Pamacor S.A.)  
CONECTA S.A.  45% Sale and piped distribution of gas in Uruguay, except for the Department of Montevideo  
DUCSA  99.77%  Resells and distributes petroleum derivatives throughout Uruguay. (Owns 100% of the following 
companies: Celemyr S.A., Winimax S.A., DBS S.A. and Abigale S.A.; 99.96% of Canopus Uruguay Ltda, 
and 1% of ATS S.A.) 
Gas Sayago S.A.  20.65%  Development of engineering, environmental, economic, financial and regulatory studies for the 
construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) reheater in Uruguay, together with its operation and 
maintenance, and the purchase, transport and storage of the liquefied gas and the marketing of the 
natural gas obtained from its regasification. At present, the project is in the pre -operational phase and in 
process of being redefined  
Gas Uruguay S.A.  40% Distribution of propane gas provided by ANCAP to consumers of more than 180 tonnes per year with 
installations for its consumption. Bottles supergas by managing ANCAP’s La Tablada bottling plants  
Gasoducto Cruz del Sur 
S.A. 20% Operation of the gas pipeline between Punta Lara (Argentina) and Montevideo (Uruguay) for a 30 -year 
period that began in November 2002. The concession agreement stipulates that the pipeline is to be used 
exclusively by the company for the sole purpose of transporting gas  
PAMACOR S.A.  99% Pamacor S.A. and ANCAP have set up a consortium called "Consorcio Minero del Uruguay", for the 
prospection, exploration and exploitation of mineral resources and their by -products and the treatment 
and processing of these resources for the purpose of manufacturing and marketing cements. As of now, 
the company has not yet commenced any mining or quarrying activity  
PETROURUGUAY S.A.  17.07%  Develops activities relating to the initial phases of the production process in Argentina. Produces 
petroleum and natural gas which it markets in Argentina.  
Company established in Argentina  
TALOBRAS  33.33%  Supplies aircraft with aviation fuel, Jet A1 and Avgas in the new terminal at Carrasco International 
Airport.  
Not operational    
  WT/TPR/S/374/Rev.1 • Uruguay  
 
- 140 - Organization  Name  State participation  Main activity  
ANP Terminal Cuenca del Plata 
S.A. 20% Administration, construction, conservation, improvement and operation of a container terminal in the Port 
of Montevideo  
Cursos de Agua S.A.  100%  Not operational  
ANTEL  ITC S.A.  100%  Provides advisory services in the area of telecommunications, information technology and business 
management  
HG S.A.  100%  Provides website design, development, construction, implementation, administration, operation and 
maintenance services  
ANTEL USA INC.  100%  Provides data interconnection (IP) services from the United States to telecommunication companies in 
Latin America  
ACCESA S.A.  100%  Provides call centre and information, data and contents transmission and processing services by means 
of telecommunication systems and information technology  
Fideicomiso de 
Administración ANTEL 
ARENA  100%  Administration of the Trust’s assets and loans contracted by the Trust, for the purpose of financing works 
contracts of the ANTEL Arena Multifunctional Complex and paying the costs of the Trust  
ANTEL Participacoes LTDA.  99% Maintains holdings in other companies, in Uruguay and abroad, that operate telecommunication services.  
Company incorporated in Brazil  
ANTEL Telecomunicaciones 
Brasil LTDA  49% Operates telecommunication services  
BHU Desarrollos Urbanísticos 
FENIX S.A.  100%  Not operational  
Bolsa Electrónica de 
Valores del Uruguay S.A. 
(BEVSA)  3.85%  Negotiation and settlement of financial transactions  
Bolsa de Comercio S.A.  0.15%  Financial intermediation  
BROU  República AFAP S.A.  51% Administration of a Provident Fund  
República AFISA  100%  Provides financial services through trusts or investment funds linked with the recovery and management 
of assets and the obtaining of financing  
República Microfinanzas 
S.A. 100%  Financial and non-financial services mainly for micro -enterprises without access to traditional banking  
República Negocios 
Fiduciarios S.A.  100%  Fiduciary business, other than financial trusts  
SISTARBANC S.R.L.  46.68%  Administration of card user accounts, card issuing, information processing for partner banks and Visa 
card operators, payment services on behalf and request of partner banks and operators against 
reimbursement, electronic payment of invoices  
Sociedad Uruguaya de 
Medios de Procesamiento  11.99%  Trader relations and processing of Visa card coupons  
Bolsa Electrónica de 
Valores del Uruguay S.A. 
(BEVSA)  3.84%  Generating an environment for the negotiation and settlement of financial transactions  
Banco Latinoamericano de 
exportaciones  0.43%  Provision of financial services  
SWIFT S.C.R.L.  0.01%  Provision of financial services  
 Corporación Nacional para 
el Desarrollo (CND)  5.79%  Concessionaire for public infrastructure works, operates as manager and/or trustee for projects linked 
with infrastructure development and maintenance, provides fund management services  
BSE República AFAP S.A.  12% Management of a Provident Fund   
  WT/TPR/S/374/Rev.1 • Uruguay  
 
- 141 - Organization  Name  State participation  Main activity  
OSE Aguas de la Costa S.A.  60% Public works concession for the supply of drinking water and sanitation in the zone bounded by the 
Atlantic Ocean, the Garzón Lagoon and the Arroyo Maldonado  
Manantial dorado S.A. 
(AGUASUR)  100%  Construction, rehabilitation and/or maintenance of structures for treating liquid wastes, supply of 
drinking water and/or related activities. Purchase and sale of goods, inputs and services for carrying out 
its activities  
Consorcio canario S.A.  50% Sub-executive body of the integrated programme for sanitation, rainwater drainage and highway 
infrastructure of Ciudad de la Costa  
PLUNA E.A.  N/A  
In process of liquidation  
UTE SOLFIRAL S.A.  100%  Wind power projects.  
Not operational.  
ISUR S.A.  98.61%  Projects linked with the improvement of the Uruguayan electricity system  
ROUAR S.A.  50% Planning, establishment, construction, buying and selling,  administration, operation, maintenance and/or 
business management of electricity generating plants, together with the production of energy from 
non-traditional renewable sources  
Gas Sayago S.A.  79.35%  Development of engineering, environmental, economic,  financial and regulatory studies for the 
construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasifier in Uruguay, together with its operation and 
maintenance and the purchase, transport and storage of liquefied gas and the marketing of the natural 
gas obtaine d from its regasification.  
Not operational  
AREAFLIN S.A.  20% Planning, establishment, construction, buying and selling, administration, operation, maintenance and/or 
business management of electricity generating plants, together with the production of energy from 
non-traditional renewable sources  
Fideicomiso financiero 
Pampa  20.08%  Building, operating and maintaining a wind farm at Pampa, in the Tacuarembó department  
Fideicomiso financiero Arias  20% Building, operating and maintaining a wind farm at Colonia Arias, in the Flores department  
Fideicomiso de 
administración del Fondo 
de Estabilización Energética  100%  Energy stabilization fund to reduce the possible adverse impact of water shortages on the financial 
situation of the UTE and public finances  
Central Puerto S.A.  0.94%  Thermal Electricity Generator.  
Company established in Argentina  
Source:  Financial statements of the individual companies as of 31 December 2016.  
 
 WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
 
- 142 - 
  
  Table A3. 8 Overview of intellectual property rights in Uruguay,  2018  
Legal 
framework  Subject matter/scope  Duration  Comments, exclusions and 
limitations  
Patents  
Law No. 
17.164  New inventions, whether products 
or processes, which involve an 
inventive step and are capable of 
industrial application, 
pharmaceuticals and agro -chemicals 
included  20 years from the date of 
filing the application, 
non-renewable  The following are not considered to be 
inventions: discoveries, scientific theories 
and mathematical methods; plants and 
animals, except for micro -organisms, and 
essentially biological and micro -biological 
processes for their production, except for 
non-biological or micro -biological 
processes; business, accounting, 
financial, educational, advertising, lottery 
or taxation principles or methods; 
literary, artistic or scientific works; 
computer programs considered in 
isolation; biological and genetic material, 
as it exists in nature. The following are 
not patentable: diagnostic, therapeutic 
and surgical methods for the treatment 
of humans or animals; inventions 
prejudicial to public order, morality, 
public health, p ublic nutrition, safety or 
the environment.  
Industrial designs  
Law No. 
17.164  Original creations of an ornamental 
nature which, when incorporated 
into or applied on an industrial or 
crafts product, confer on it a special 
appearance   10 years from the date of 
filing the application, 
renewable for a further 
5 years  Protection as an industrial design. 
Industrial designs may not be protected 
if: they are not new; have only minor 
differences from previous designs; serve 
only to achieve a technical effect; l ack a 
specifically defined shape; consist only of 
a change in the colour of already known 
designs; entail the use of a work of fine 
art; are contrary to public order and 
morality.  
Utility models  
Law No. 
17.164  Any new disposition or configuration 
obtaine d or introduced in tools, 
work instruments, utensils, devices, 
equipment or other known objects, 
which improve their use or the 
function for which they are 
intended, or confer any other 
advantage for their use or 
manufacture.  10 years from the date of 
the application, once 
renewable for a further 
5 years  Protection as a utility model. The 
following cannot be protected as utility 
models: changes in the shape, size, 
proportions or material of an object, 
unless such changes modify the object’s 
qualities or functions; the mere 
replacement of elements by other 
elements already known as equivalents; 
processes; and material excluded from 
protection by a patent.  
Layout -designs (topographies) of integrated circuits  
Governed by 
the TRIPS 
Agreement. 
There is no 
special 
legislation.  The three -dimensional disposition of 
the elements of layout -designs 
(topographies) of integrated circuits 
intended for manufacture, insofar as 
they are original.  10 or 20 years from the 
date of the application, 
depending on the type of 
protection requested  Protection under a patent or as an 
industrial design.  
Trademarks  
Law No. 
17.011  Any sign capable of distinguishing 
the products or services of a natural 
or legal person from those of 
others, including names, 
commercial slogans, and 
certification, guarantee and 
collective marks  10 years from the granting 
of the mark, renewable 
indefinitely for 10 -year 
periods  The following cannot be protected, inter 
alia: national or departmental symbols; 
signs representing or imitating coins or 
notes; appellations of origin, indications 
of source and any geographical name not 
original or distinctive enough regarding 
the goods or services to which they 
apply, or whose use is likely to be 
misleading with respect to the origin, 
source, qualities or charact eristics of the 
goods or services distinguished by the 
trademark; names of plant varieties; 
designations usually employed for 
indicating the nature of the products or 
services or the class, kind or type to 
which they belong; and words or phrases 
that have passed into general use.  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
 
- 143 - 
 
  Legal 
framework  Subject matter/scope  Duration  Comments, exclusions and 
limitations  
Geographical indications  
Law No. 
17.011  Indication of source (IS): use of a 
geographical name for goods or 
services that identifies the place of 
extraction, production or 
manufacture of a particular product 
or provision of a particular service 
as its source.  Indefinite term  The use of the IS is limited to the 
producers and service providers 
established in the place protected as a 
source.  
 Appellations of origin (AO): use of 
the geographical name of a country, 
city, region, or  locality designating 
goods or services whose qualities or 
characteristics are exclusively 
attributable to the geographical 
environment, including human or 
natural factors  Indefinite term  Use of the AO is subject to the fulfilment 
of quality requirements b y the product or 
service that is to use the protected 
appellation.  
New plant varieties  
Law No. 
16.811  New plant varieties that are 
homogeneous, stable and clearly 
differentiable from those that 
already exist  Between 20 and 25 years 
depending on the type of 
plant variety   
Copyright and related rights  
Law No. 9.739 
and 
amendments 
thereto  Moral and economic rights in any 
original literary, scientific or artistic 
creation as may be disclosed or 
published by any medium or 
process, irrespective of its type, 
form of expression, the nationality 
or domicile of the author or person 
entitled or the place of publication. 
Related rights include the rights of 
performers, producers of 
phonograms and broadcasting 
organizations  The lifetime of the author 
plus 50 years. For works of 
joint authorship, 
anonymous or 
pseudonymous works: 50 
years from the publication 
or authorized disclosure of 
the work. For producers of 
phonograms and 
broadcasting organizations 
the protection lasts for 50 
years from the year 
following the dat e of 
publication or performance  Ideas, procedures, methods of operation, 
mathematical concepts, official texts, 
notices and data contained in a 
compilation are excluded from protection.  
Source:  Copyright Law No. 9.739 of 17 December 1937, as amended by Law No.  17.616 of 10 January 2003; 
Trademark Law No. 17.011 of 25 September 1998; Law on Patents, Utility Models and Industrial 
Designs of 2 September 1999; Law on Seeds No. 16.811 of 21 February 1 997 and amendments 
thereto (Law No. 18.467 of 27 February 2009); and the TRIPS Agreement.  
 
  WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
 
- 144 - 
  
  Table A4. 1 Air transport agreements, 2018  Other party  
Conclusion of 
negotiations  
Fifth freedom 
Seventh freedom 
Cabotage 
Cooperation clauses 
Withholding clause 
Air designation 
clause  
Pricing clause  
Capacity clause  
Exchange of 
statistics  
Initialed  
Operative  
Germany  1957 Yes No No Yes Yes Single  Dual approval  Predetermination  Yes Approved  Yes 
Netherlands 
Antilles  1981 Yes No No Yes Yes Single  No Predetermination  No Yes No 
Argentina  2005 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Predetermination  Yes Approved  Yes 
Austria  1996 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Predetermined  Yes Yes No 
Australia  2012 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  No Bermuda I  Yes Yes No 
Saudi Arabia  2013 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Registration  Predetermined  Yes Yes No 
Belgium  1972 Yes No No Yes Yes Single  Dual approval  Bermuda I  Yes Approved  No 
Bolivia, 
Plurinational 
State of  1975 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Predetermination  Yes Approved  Yes 
Brazil  1958 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Bermuda I  Yes Approved  Yes 
Canada  2012 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Registration  Bermuda I  Yes Yes No 
Open Skies 
Multilateral 
Agreement  
LACAC States  2017 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Multiple  Registration  Free 
determination  Yes Yes No 
Chile 1982 Yes No No No Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Predetermination  Yes Approved  Yes 
Colombia  2001 Yes No No No Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Predetermination  Yes Approved  Yes 
European 
Community  2005 -- -- -- -- --- --- -------  Horizontal 
agreement  ----- --- Yes 
China  2017 Yes No No No No Multiple  No clause  Limited  No No No 
Cuba 1997 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Registration  Predetermination  Yes Yes No 
Curacao  2013 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Free 
determination  Yes Yes No 
Denmark  1982 Yes No No No Yes Single  Dual approval  Predetermination  Yes Approved  No 
Ecuador  2015 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Registration  Free 
determination  Yes Yes No 
Spain  2002 Yes No No No Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Predetermination  Yes Approved  Yes 
United States  2004 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Free 
determination  No Approved  Yes 
Netherlands  1979 Yes No No No Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Predetermination  Yes Yes Yes 
Hong Kong, 
China  2013 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Registration  Free 
determination  Yes Yes No 
United Arab 
Emirates  2011 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Registration  Free 
determination  Yes Yes Yes 
Russian 
Federation  1979 Yes Yes No Yes Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Determined  Yes Approved  No 
France  1979 Yes Yes No Yes Yes Multiple  Registration  Free 
determination  Yes Yes Yes 
Iceland  2012 Yes No No No Yes Multiple  Registration  Free 
determination  Yes Yes No 
Israel  1996 No No No No Yes Single  Dual approval  Determined  - 
only 3rd and 4th 
Freedoms  Yes Approved  No 
Italy 1981 Yes No No No No Multiple  Not specified  Determined  No Yes No 
Jamaica  2013 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Registration  Free 
determination  Yes Yes No 
Jordan  1977 Yes No No No Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Determined  Yes Yes No 
Kuwait, State 
of 2010 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Multiple  Registration  Open Skies  Yes Yes No 
Luxembourg  2013 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Free 
determination  Yes Yes No 
Mexico  2008 Yes Yes No Yes Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Predetermined  Yes Yes No 
Nigeria  2013 Yes No No No No Multiple  Dual approval  Free 
determination  No No No 
Norway  1981 Yes No No No Yes Single  Dual approval  Predetermined  Yes Approved  No 
New Zealand  2012 Yes No No No  Multiple  Registration  Predetermined  Yes Yes No 
Netherlands  2012 Yes Yes Yes Yes  Multiple  Registration  Open Skies  Yes Yes Yes 
Paraguay  2008 Yes No No No  Multiple  Dual approval  Bermuda I  No Approved  Yes 
Panama  1998 Yes Yes Yes Yes No Multiple  Dual approval  Open Skies  Yes Approved  Yes 
Peru 1999 Yes Yes No Yes Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Predetermined  Yes Approved  Yes WT/TPR/S/374 /Rev.1  • Uruguay  
 
- 145 - 
 
  
Other party  
Conclusion of 
negotiations  
Fifth freedom 
Seventh freedom 
Cabotage 
Cooperation clauses 
Withholding clause 
Air designation 
clause  
Pricing clause  
Capacity clause  
Exchange of 
statistics  
Initialed  
Operative  
Poland  1988 Yes No No No  Multiple  Dual approval  Predetermined  Yes Yes No 
Portugal  1998 Yes Yes No Yes  Single  Dual approval  Predetermined  Yes Yes Yes 
Qatar  2011 Yes Yes No Yes Yes Multiple  Registration  Open Skies  Yes Yes Yes 
Kingdom of 
Morocco  1979 Yes Yes No Yes Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Predetermined  Yes Yes No 
United 
Kingdom  1947 Yes No No No Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Bermuda I  Yes Approved  Yes 
Romania  1996 Yes No No No Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Predetermination  Yes Yes No 
Dominican 
Republic  2010 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Registration  Open Skies  Yes  No 
Singapore  2012 Yes Yes Yes Yes No Multiple  Registration  Open Skies  Yes Yes No 
Sweden  1981 Yes No No No Yes Single  Dual approval  Predetermination  Yes Approved  No 
Switzerland  1960 Yes No Yes Yes Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Predetermined  Yes Yes No 
Subregional  1996 No No No No Yes Multiple  Approval by 
the country of 
origin  Free 
determination  Yes Approved  No 
South Africa  2013 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Free 
determination  Yes Yes No 
Turkey  2012 Yes No No Yes Yes Multiple  Registration  Predetermined  Yes Yes No 
Venezuela, 
Bolivarian 
Republic of  2005 No No No Yes Yes Multiple  Dual approval  Predetermined  Yes Yes No 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
 
__________