RESTRICTED  
  
WT/ACC/AFG/24  
 
10 April 2013  
(13-1866)  Page: 1/13  
Working Party on the Accession of  
the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan  Original: English  
  
 ACCESSION OF AFGHANISTAN 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND REPLIES 
 The following submission, dated 4 April 2013, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. 
 
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 WT/ACC/AFG/24 
 
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  TABLE OF CONTENTS 
II. ECONOMIC POLICIES .............................................................................................. 3  
-  Investment Regime ................................................................................................. 3  
-  Competition Policy .................................................................................................. 3  
III. FRAMEWORK FOR MAKING AND ENFORCING PO LICIES .......................................... 3  
-  Powers of Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of Government .................. 3  
IV. POLICIES AFFECTING TRADE IN GOODS ................................................................. 4  
-  Trading Rights ......................................................................................................... 4  
A. IMPORT REGULATIONS ........................................................................................... 4  
-  Quantitative import restrictions, including prohibitions, quotas and 
licensing sy stems .................................................................................................... 4  
-  Rules of Or igin ........................................................................................................ 4  
-  Anti-dumping, countervailing duty  and safeguar d regimes ..................................... 5  
B. EXPORT REGU LATION ............................................................................................. 6  
-  Customs tariffs, fees and charges for services rendered, application of 
internal taxes to exports ......................................................................................... 6  
-  Export restrictions .................................................................................................. 6  
C. INTERNAL POLICIES AFFECTING FOREIGN TRADE IN GOODS ................................. 7  
-  Industrial policy, in cluding subs idies ...................................................................... 7  
-  Sanitary and Phytosani tary Measures ..................................................................... 7  
-  Trade-related investment measures ...................................................................... 10  
-  Government pr ocurement ..................................................................................... 11  
V. TRADE-RELATED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REGIME ............................................. 11  
-  Participation in international inte llectual property  agreements ............................ 11  
-  SUBSTANTIVE STANDARDS OF PROTECTION, INCLUDING PROCEDURES 
FOR THE ACQUISITION AND MAINTENA NCE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 
RIGHTS ................................................................................................................. 11  
-  Copyright and rela ted rights ................................................................................. 11  
-  Trademarks, including services marks .................................................................. 12  
-  Industrial designs ................................................................................................. 12  
-  Patents .................................................................................................................. 13  
VI. POLICIES AFFECTING TR ADE IN SERVICES ........................................................... 13  
 
 
 WT/ACC/AFG/24 
 
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  II. ECONOMIC POLICIES 
- Investment Regime Question 1 Paragraph 26 of the Elements of a Draft Working Party Report (WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3) 
and page 5 of document WT/A CC/AFG/17:  Licenses for in vestments in construction, 
logistics and security are higher than for ot her sectors.  Could you please explain the 
rationale for this different treatment? 
Answer: 
The AISA License fee structure was recently changed.  The current AISA License fees for all sectors 
are as follows: 
‐ For small size business: US$ 50;  
‐ For medium size business: US$ 700; and 
‐ For large size business: US$ 1000. 
 
Exceptions are the fees for agriculture and industrial sectors which were reduced for medium and 
large investments to US$ 350 for encouragement of investors.  
 
- Competition Policy 
Question 2 
Paragraph 44 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG /3:  Could Afghanistan please provide 
more details on the specific provisions that will apply as competition rules are phased in, 
with indication of relevant time-frames? 
Answer: 
There will not be phased in approach for the implementation of the new law. Once the new draft 
competition law is adopted by the parliament, signed  by the President, and published in the official 
gazette, all of its provisions will come into force.  The last sentence of paragraph 44 should be deleted. 
III. FRAMEWORK FOR MAKING AND ENFORCING POLICIES 
- Powers of Executive, Legislative an d Judicial Branches of Government 
Question 3 Paragraphs 48 to 51 of document WT /ACC/SPEC/AFG/3:  Regarding the legal 
framework and the resolution of disputes, it s eems that, at present, several "routes" can 
be followed to appeal customs decisions.  Is this correct?  Does Afghanistan consider streamlining these processes? 
Answer: 
The several routes described in paragraph 48 to 51 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3 provide 
different alternatives for traders.  In other words, these options serve the interest of traders by providing them effective options.  The processe s for appeal are streamlined.  Afghanistan is 
presently working on developing web-based access to its administrative appeal process. WT/ACC/AFG/24 
 
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  IV. POLICIES AFFECTING TRADE IN GOODS 
- Trading Rights Question 4 In responses to a number of questions p osed in document WT/ACC/AFG/17 (e.g. to 
Question 28), Afghanistan states that it wi ll consider amending its business licence fee 
structure upon accession to the WTO. Could Afghanistan please give a firm commitment 
that it will do so?  Would it be possibl e to have the structure amended prior to 
accession? 
Answer: 
Afghanistan confirms that the business licence fee st ructure will be amended to be consistent with 
the GATT 1994 upon accession to the WTO.   
Question 5 
According to paragraph 62 of document WT /ACC/SPEC/AFG/3, there is differentiated 
treatment for importing medical equipment and medicines between Afghan nationals 
and foreigners (foreigners pay US$5,000 for a licence, Afghans, US$800).  What is the 
rationale for this different treatment?  Does Afghanistan consider having a single fee for 
both foreigners and Afghan nationals?  
Answer: 
Although the reason for different license fee is to encourage more Afghan nationals to be engaged 
in international trade activities especially in the trade of medicines and medical equipment, the MPH will reconsider working on restructuring this to ensure that it is reflective of cost of services 
rendered and is applied equally on foreign and domestic importers.  This will come into effect in 
2014. 
A. IMPORT REGULATIONS 
- Quantitative import restrictions, incl uding prohibitions, quotas and licensing 
systems 
Question 6 
Paragraph 81 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3 :  Does Afghanistan consider further 
reducing the fees for import permit and import licenses for telecommunications 
equipment, so as to ensure they reflect the costs of services rendered? 
Answer: 
Afghanistan is considering restructuring this fee and will inform on progress during the next 
working party meeting.  
- Rules of Origin 
Question 7 
Paragraphs 96 to 102 of document WT/ACC/SP EC/AFG/3:  How does Afghanistan intend 
to develop its policy regarding rules of origin? We note that there is no legal basis, but 
that certificates of origin are expected both for imports and exports. WT/ACC/AFG/24 
 
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  Answer: 
The policy regarding the rules of origin is provided in Chapter VI of the 2005 Customs Law. 
Production of Goods in a Country: 
1. When goods are wholly originated or produced in a country, that country shall be known as 
the origin of those goods. Such goods includes: 
i. mineral products extracted within that country; 
ii. vegetable products harvested therein; 
iii. live animals born and raised therein; 
iv. products derived from animals raised therein; 
v. products of hunting or fishing carried on therein; 
vi. products of sea fishing and other products taken from the sea outside a country's 
territorial waters by vessels flying the flag of that country and registered or recorded 
therein; 
vii. goods obtained or produced from the products referred to in subparagraph (6) on 
board factory ships which fly the flag of that country and are registered or recorded 
therein; 
viii. products taken from the seabed or subsoil beneath the seabed outside the territorial  
waters provided that the country has exclusive rights to exploit that seabed or 
subsoil; 
ix. waste and scrap products derived from manufacturing operations and from used  
articles, provided that they were collected therein and are fit only for the recovery of 
raw materials; 
 
2. Goods, which are obtained or produced wholly from goods referred to in paragraph (1), or 
their derivatives at an y stage of production. 
 Production of Goods in More than One Country: 
 Goods whose production involves more than one country shall be deemed to originate from the country where they underwent their last substantial processing [transformation].  
Preferential Origin: 
 
For preferential origin, the policy related to rules of origin varies and is stipulated in the respective 
bilateral and regional agreements. 
 - Anti-dumping, countervailing duty and safeguard regimes 
Question 8 
Paragraphs 107 and 108 of document WT/ACC/ SPEC/AFG/3:  Could Afghanistan please 
describe the regimes being put in place through draft laws notified to the WTO and provide an update of the time-frame for their adoption and implementation? 
Answer: 
Afghanistan has prepared a draft Law on Safeguar ds in accordance with the WTO Agreement on 
Safeguards.  The Draft has been shared with th e WTO Secretariat for review by working party 
members.  The Draft is expected to be adopted in 2014 and to come into force by the end of 2014.  
In 2014, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries will set up a "National Office on International 
Trade and Safeguard Measures". This body w ill be the competent authority tasked with 
administering the law, initiating and conducting safeguard investigations and drafting 
determinations on whether the imposition of provisional or definitive safeguard measures are warranted in a given case.  WT/ACC/AFG/24 
 
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  Afghanistan does not currently have any plans to adopt a Law on Anti-Dumping Duties or a Law on 
Countervailing Duties. 
B. EXPORT REGULATION - Customs tariffs, fees and charges for serv ices rendered, application of internal 
taxes to exports 
Question 9 
Paragraph 116 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG /3:  Afghanistan submits that export 
duties and taxes are applied on a number of pr oducts and that export taxes  are (i) fixed 
tax of 2% when exporting with a business lic ence; (ii) fixed tax of 3% when exporting 
without a business licence; and (iii) the Busi ness Receipts Tax (BRT) at 2%".  Are the 
above-mentioned taxes applied in addition to the export duties listed in Table 11? 
Answer: 
Yes. 
-  Export restrictions 
Question 10 
Paragraphs 117 and 118 of document WT/ACC/ SPEC/AFG/3:  Could Afghanistan please 
further elaborate on the procedures for the Head of Customs Department to adopt 
prohibitions or restrictions on export of goods according to Article 53 of the 
Customs Law?  
Answer: 
The Head of Customs Department does not have any authority to adopt prohibitions or restrictions 
on import or export of goods.  Prohibitions and restrictions on trade can only be adopted in Laws, 
President Decrees, and Council of Ministers Resolutions. 
According to Article 53, Customs may adopt prohibitions or restrictions in accordance with 
legislation documents.  Unfortunately, the incorrect term was used in Dari. This should mean 
"apply" in accordance with legislation.  This term  will be changed from "adopt" to "apply" in the 
draft amendments to the Customs Law. 
Question 11 
Paragraphs 117 and 118 of document WT/ACC/ SPEC/AFG/3:  Could Afghanistan please 
provide the complete list of products that are currently subject to export restrictions?  
How does Afghanistan ensure that these restrictions are in full compliance with Article 
XI and XX?  
Answer: 
The list of products subject to export restriction is provided in Table 9 of WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3 and 
is replicated below with WTO justifications: 
  
 
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  Product Export Measure Fee WTO Justification 
All minerals Export authorization from 
the Ministry of Mines No fee GATT Article XX(d) 
Handicrafts (that 
may be construed to be antique) Export approval from the 
Ministry of Information and Culture The measure is to 
determine if handicrafts are antique.  If they are not, export approval is granted and a fee of 5% of the value of the invoice is charged. GATT Article XX(f) 
Scrap metals Export authorization from 
the Export Promotion Agency 
of Afghanistan 
Export authorization from the Ministry of Mines No fee by either body GATT Article XX(d) 
Printed books, 
brochures, leaflets, and other printed matters Export approval from the 
Ministry of Information and Culture No fee GATT Article XX(a) 
Films  Export approval from the 
Ministry of Information and Culture No fee  GATT Article XX(a) 
 
Note that the Export authorization from the Export Promotion Agency of Afghanistan for the export 
of used glass, plastics, and coal is no longer required 
C. INTERNAL POLICIES AFFECT ING FOREIGN TRADE IN GOODS 
- Industrial policy, including subsidies 
Question 12 
Paragraph 125 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3:  A duty drawback mechanism is as 
yet not in place.  Is Afghanistan working towards setting such a system in the near 
future?  How will this work? 
Answer: 
Afghanistan is not working towards setting such a system in the near future.  When or if 
Afghanistan decides to operationalize duty drawba ck provisions, implementing regulations will be 
developed.  There will be no duty drawback in excess of duties actually paid. 
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Question 13 
Statement in paragraph 137 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3 should be amended 
accordingly to include information provided by Afghanistan when the framework laws in 
line with the WTO SPS Agreement are planned to be adopted and enter into force (now 
included in paragraph 149, pages 43-44). 
Answer: 
We agree to this suggestion. 
Question 14 
Statement in paragraph 140 of document  WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3 is not line with 
Afghanistan answer to Question 111 in the document WT/ACC/AFG/17 as Afghanistan 
admitted it "does not currently have in place procedures, technical capacity or WT/ACC/AFG/24 
 
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  equipment to carry out science-based risk assessment in accordance with the WTO SPS 
Agreement and guidelines of Codex, OIE and th e IPPC", which is now integrated as part 
of the statement in paragraph 141 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3.  This requires 
further clarification and changes. 
Answer: 
Afghanistan does not have any current plans to have SPS measures with higher protection than 
those stipulated in OIE, Codex, and IPPC.  And as such there is no need to carry any science based 
risk assessment at this stage. 
In case higher protection is necessary in the future, science based risk assessment will be 
conducted only after Afghanistan has the necessary institutional capacity and technical equipment 
to perform risk assessment.  This is an area  where Afghanistan would appreciate technical 
assistance and support from WTO Members. 
Question 15 
Moreover, in paragraph 141 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3, more stringent time-
frames should be added for identification of  measures not in line with IPPC, Codex and 
OIE standards and action plans for harmonization. 
Answer: 
Afghanistan intends to complete during the next six months the process of identification of 
measures not in line with IPPC, Codex, and OIE standards. An action plan for harmonization will be 
prepared subsequently to start implementation before the end of 2013.  
Question 16 
Statement in paragraph 144 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3 should be amended 
accordingly to include information prov ided by Afghanistan in the document 
WT/ACC/AFG/17 in answer to Question 114 and supplementary answers expected to 
this answer. 
Answer: 
We agree to this suggestion. 
Question 17 
Additional information regarding Afghanistan plans to formally establish the National 
SPS Enquiry and Notification Point (ENP) in January 2013 should be provided in 
paragraph 149 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3. 
Answer: 
A pilot SPS Enquiry and Notification Point (ENP) has been established under the MAIL General 
Directorate of Policy and Planning.  Two persons have been designated to handle enquiries and 
notifications.  Two computers and a printer as well as internet access have been made available 
for the ENP. Enquiries can be addressed to the following: 
Mr. Abdul Munir 
Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestocks (MAL) 
Planning and Policy Department Building 
Kabul, Afghanistan Phone: +93 777 999 950 
Email: Abdul.munir@MAIL.gov.af  WT/ACC/AFG/24 
 
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The pilot ENP will be formally established once the draft SPS laws are adopted 
Question 18 
As a follow-up to the reply provided to Question 109 in document WT/ACC/AFG/17, 
have the Afghan Authorities ta ken a decision to formally establish the National SPS ENP 
in January 2013.  If so, where it is ba sed, how it is staffed and equipped? 
Answer: 
Please see reply to Question 17 above. 
Question 19 
On the basis of the reply provided to Questi on 110, it appears that basic legislation in 
line with WTO SPS Agreement, if it is adopte d as planned, will not entirely enter into 
force before at least first quarter 2015.   Could Afghanistan please confirm? 
Answer: 
In accordance with the legislative action plan, the target is to have the following three SPS related 
laws adopted no later than the first quarter of 2014 and will come into force before the end of 
2014: 
 
1. Law on Plant Protection and Quarantine; 
2. Law on Animal Health and Veterinary; and 
3. Law on Food Safety (new Law). 
 
Question 20 
In the reply to Question 111, "Afghanistan do es not currently have in place procedures, 
technical capacity or equipment to carry  out science-based risk assessment in 
accordance with the WTO SPS Agreement and guidelines of Codex, OIE and the IPPC".  
However, the representative of Afghan istan stated previously (JOB/ACC/28 of 
3 May 2012, point 110) "that in cases when Afghanistan needed higher protection of 
human, animal or plant health and life, a science-based risk assessment would be 
conducted in accordance with the principles  of the WTO SPS Agreement and guidelines 
of Codex, OIE and the IPPC".  Could Afghanistan please clarify how these two 
statements interact? 
Answer: 
Afghanistan does not have any current plans to have SPS measures with higher protection than 
those stipulated in OIE, Codex, and IPPC.  And as such there is no need to carry any science based 
risk assessment at this stage. 
In case higher protection is necessary in the future, science based risk assessment will be 
conducted only after Afghanistan has the necessary institutional capacity and technical equipment.  
This is an area where Afghanistan would appreciate technical assistance and support from WTO 
Members. 
Question 21 
In the reply to Question 112, Afghanistan plans to harmonize during the next four years 
with the following priority international standards, guidelines and recommendations 
from the OIE and the IPP (..).  Could Afghan istan please provide additional in this WT/ACC/AFG/24 
 
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  respect and clarify the real ti me-frame for identification of measures that are currently 
not in line with OIE and IPPC standa rds, guidelines and recommendations? 
Answer: 
Afghanistan intends in 2013 to complete the process of identification of measures not currently in 
line with OIE and IPPC standards and develop an ac tion plan.  Technical assistance in this regard 
will be sought from existing donor projects in Afghanistan. 
Question 22 
As a follow-up to the reply to Question 113, could Afghanistan please confirm that 
phytosanitary and veterinary certificates ar e issued for the products intended to be 
exported? 
Answer: 
Afghanistan confirms that phytosanitary and veteri nary certificates are issued for the products 
intended to be exported. 
Question 23 
As a follow-up to the reply to Question 115,  what are the time-frames to develop the 
procedures and capacities to determine whethe r or not veterinary certificates issued by 
another country are not fake?  When will th e assessment of needed resources be made? 
Answer: 
The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock intends in 2013 to develop procedures and 
build capacity of its staff to determine whether or not veterinary certificates issued by another 
country are not fake. Technical assistance in this regard will be sought from existing donor projects in Afghanistan. 
Question 24 
As a follow-up to the reply to Question 116, what are the time-frames to develop 
capacities for the microbiological/bacteriologi cal testing of all processed food products? 
When will the assessment of needs in this area be made? 
Answer: 
All equipment for upgrading the capacity to conduct microbiological/bacteriological testing of all 
processed food products have been identified.  A Request for Quotation has been prepared for 
bidding the process of procuring these equipment. 
New staff members have been recruited and have undergone some formal training in-country and 
abroad.  Afghanistan would appreciate technical a ssistance to develop capacity of new staff and 
develop and adopt new testing methods related to processed food.  
- Trade-related investment measures 
Question 25 
Paragraph 152 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3:  The Mineral Law and the 
Hydrocarbons Law contain local content requ irements. How and when does Afghanistan 
intend to align those laws with the provisions of the TRIMS Agreement?  WT/ACC/AFG/24 
 
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  Answer: 
The local content requirements in the 2005 Mineral Law are no longer in effect. 
There are no plans to eliminate these provisions from the hydrocarbons law. - Government procurement 
Question 26 
Paragraph 154 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3 :  As reported, the representative of 
Afghanistan said that government procurem ent policy and practices were administered 
nationally by the Procurement Monitoring O ffice, Department of Fiscal Policy of the 
Ministry of Finance. Govern ment procurement was governed by the Public Procurement 
Law (PPL) enacted in October 2005.  Has th e Government of Afghanistan considered 
joining the WTO Government Procurement Agreement? 
Answer: 
Afghanistan does not plan to join the WTO Government Procurement Agreement at this stage. 
V. TRADE-RELATED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REGIME 
- Participation in international in tellectual property agreements 
Question 27 Paragraph 173 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3:  What are Afghanistan's plans 
regarding adoption of international treaties on Intellectual Property? 
Answer: 
Afghanistan intends to join at least half dozen intellectual property treaties and conventions.   
The process has been launched to join the Berne Convention.  The process for joining the Paris 
Convention will also be initiated in April 2013. 
- SUBSTANTIVE STANDARDS OF PROTECTION, INCLUDING PROCEDURES FOR THE 
ACQUISITION AND MAINTENANCE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS 
- Copyright and related rights 
Question 28 Paragraphs 177 to 182 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3:  What is the term of 
protection for computer programs and compilations of data? 
Answer: 
As a general rule, computer programs and compilations of data, like other literary works, are 
protected for fifty calendar years after the author's death.  Also as with other literary works, there 
are special rules for determining this term for joint works, works published under pseudonyms, 
works not published within the lifetime of the author, etc.   
Question 29 
Paragraphs 177 to 182 of document WT/ACC /SPEC/AFG/3:  Could Afghanistan please 
inform whether it would consider to explicitly  include 'three-step test' (Article 13 of the 
WTO TRIPS Agreement) in the laws? WT/ACC/AFG/24 
 
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  Answer: 
Amended Article 43 of the copyright law incorporat es this principle, setting out an exception 
applicable to a highly specialized case (concerning musical bands of armed forces playing in non-revenue-generating performances), and stating that the exception shall only operate if it does not 
conflict with the normal exploitation of the work and does not prejudice the legitimate interests of 
the rightholder in the work.  
While the TRIPS Article 13 three-step test is not othe rwise explicitly set out in the law as applied to 
all exceptions and limitations, the exceptions and limitations in the law functionally comply with the test.  
Question 30 
Paragraphs 177 to 182 of document WT/ACC/SP EC/AFG/3:  Are there special provisions 
in Afghanistan legislation related to copy right infringements in information society 
(Internet) and ISP liability? 
Answer: 
There are currently no such provisions, as priority is currently on completing TRIPS Agreement 
compliance.  However, related to this, a draft regulations on optical disk has been finalized and will 
be shared with Working Party Members in April 2013.   
- Trademarks, including services marks 
Question 31 
Paragraphs 183 to 185 of document WT/ACC/S PEC/AFG/3:  Is licensing of trademarks 
according to Article 21 of the WTO TRIP S Agreement envisaged in Afghanistan's 
legislation? 
Answer: 
According to Article 17 of the Trademarks Law, tr ademarks are transferrable; the transfer of the 
business to which the trademark belongs is not requ ired.  In accord with TRIPS Agreement Article 
21, compulsory licensing of trademarks is not permitted.  The Trademarks Law states that transfers shall be in accord with related regulation s. Such regulations, when developed, will accord 
with TRIPS Agreement Article 21. 
- Industrial designs 
Question 32 Paragraph 187 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3 :  Symbols or logos of domestic or 
international organisations etc. cannot be used for registration of trade marks. 
Would the same apply for the registration  of designs in the legislation under 
consideration? 
Answer: 
Unlike the Trademarks Law, industrial design legislation does not contain a blanket prohibition on 
the registration of symbols or logos of domestic or international organisations.  However, such 
signs would not qualify for registration as industrial designs, as this would require: meeting the 
definition of an industrial design ("A two-dimensio nal design … that enhances the appearance of an 
industrial product by means of its form or of a particular combination of lines, colors or other features that appeal to the eye"); meeting the criteria of eligibility for registration in being new or 
original; and being proposed for registration  by the owner of the right to the sign. WT/ACC/AFG/24 
 
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  - Patents 
Question 33 Paragraphs 188 and 189 of document WT/ACC/ SPEC/AFG/3:  Claims and abstract are 
not required as obligatory documents for app lication.  How does Afghanistan will assure 
efficient examination of applications? 
Answer: 
At present, Article 8(1.2) of the Law requires a synopsis of the subject of the invention or 
discovery, and Article 21(2) requires a description of the invention or discovery which discloses the 
invention in a manner sufficiently clear and complete for the invention to be carried out by a person skilled in the art .  However, the Law provides for a formal examination only at this point, 
with checks on improper registrations provided through pre-registration objection and 
post-registration cancellation procedures.  It is ho ped that as the capacity of implementing bodies 
is increased, substantive examination procedures - and corresponding application requirements - will be added. Enhanced examination though involvement with international cooperation 
institutions is also under consideration. 
VI.  POLICIES AFFECTING TRADE IN SERVICES Question 34 
Paragraph 222 of document WT/ACC/SPEC/AFG/3:  In response to a specific question 
from a Member, the representative of Afghanis tan confirmed that licenses for real estate 
services related to private or leased proper ty were reserved exclusively for Afghans.  
If such qualification restrictions are a pplied to real estate services as the 
above-mentioned reply suggests, is this not a cause for concern on the part of the 
Afghanistan Government? 
Answer: 
The Law on Regulating Property Dealers of 21 August 1995 regulates this matter.   This is an old 
law from the previous era.  Afghanistan will consider this in the future.  
 
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