RESTRICTED  
  
S/C/W/38 1 
3 décembre 2018  
(18-7642) Page: 1/20 
Conseil du commerce des services  Original:  anglais  
 
  
COMMUNICATION DU ROY AUME -UNI DE GRANDE -BRETAGNE  
ET D'IRLANDE DU NORD  
CERTIFICATION DE LA LISTE D'EXEMPTIONS À  L'ARTICLE II (NPF)  
Le Royaume -Uni de Grande -Bretagne et d'Irlande du Nord (ci-après le "Royaume -Uni") a fait 
parvenir au Secrétariat de l'OMC la communication ci -après en demandant que la procédure de 
certification concernant la Liste d'exemptions à l'article II (NPF) du Royaume -Uni au titre de l'AGCS 
soit engagée, conformément aux "Procédures pour la certification de suppressions, de réductions et 
de rectifications des exemptions des obligations énoncées à l'article II (NPF)" (S/L/106). Par 
conséquent, si aucune objection1 n'est communiquée au Secrétariat dans les 45 jours à com pter de 
la date de la présente communication, cette procédure de certification sera achevée, et l a Liste du 
Royaume -Uni ci -jointe sera certifié e. 
 
_______________  
 
 
La Liste ci -jointe d'exemptions à l'article II (NPF) du Royaume -Uni (ci -après la "Liste du 
Royaume -Uni") a été soumise au Secrétariat de l'OMC par le Royaume -Uni de Grande -Bretagne et 
d'Irlande du Nord (ci -après le "Royaume -Uni") avec une demande visant l'engagement de la 
procédure de certification conformément au paragraphe 3 des Procédures pou r la certification de 
suppressions, de réductions et de rectifications des exemptions des obligations énoncées à l'article  II 
(NPF) (document S/L/106 du 11  juin 2002).  
 
La présente communication se compose de quatre parties:  
 
• Partie I: Note demandant l'eng agement de la procédure de certification et exposant la 
base juridique de la procédure de certification  
• Partie II: Note explicative sur les changements purement techniques repris dans la Liste 
du Royaume -Uni (conformément au paragraphe 3 du document S/L/10 6) 
• Partie III: Liste du Royaume -Uni indiquant les changements techniques2 
• Partie IV: Version mise au propre de la Liste du Royaume -Uni3 
 
_______________  
 
 
                                                
1 Conformément au paragraphe 4 du document S/L/106, tout Membre qui désire faire objection à la 
certification présentera au Secrétariat une notification à cet effet, pour distribution à tous les Membres, en 
indiquant dans la mesure du possible les éléments spécifiques des modifications qui ont donné lieu à cette 
objection.  
2 En anglais  seulement . 
3 En anglais  seulement . S/C/W/381  
- 2 - 
  PARTIE I  
NOTE DEMANDANT L'ENG AGEMENT DE LA PROCÉD URE DE CERTIFICATION   
ET EXPOSANT LA BASE JURIDIQUE DE LA  
PROCÉDURE DE CERTIFI CATION  
1. Le Royaume -Uni a déclenché l'article 50 du Traité sur le fonctionnement de l'Union européenne 
le 29 mars 2017. En conséquence, il souhaite à présent séparer ses exemptions NPF de celles de 
l'UE et de ses États membres. C'est à cette fin qu'est engagée la présente procédure de certification.  
2. Comme il est exposé dans la lettre conjointe du 11  octobre  2017 adres sée par le Représentant 
permanent du Royaume -Uni et le Représentant permanent de l'Union européenne aux Représentants 
permanents auprès de l'OMC, la Liste du Royaume -Uni reprend les concessions et engagements 
applicables au Royaume -Uni figurant dans la Lis te d'exemptions de l'article II (NPF) des 
Communautés européennes et de leurs États membres (la "Liste de l'UE").1 
3. Conformément au paragraphe 3 du document S/L/106, on trouvera en annexe une note 
explicative sur les changements purement techniques qui n'al tèrent pas la substance des exemptions 
existantes.  
4. Le Royaume -Uni est disposé à engager, sur demande, des consultations avec tout Membre de 
l'OMC qui formule une objection au titre du paragraphe 4 du document  S/L/106. Afin d'assurer des 
consultations effic aces, il demanderait à tout Membre formulant l'objection d'indiquer, dans la 
mesure du possible, les éléments spécifiques qui la motivent.  
5. Si aucune objection n'est communiquée au Secrétariat dans les 45 jours à compter de la date 
de distribution de la Lis te du Royaume -Uni, la présente procédure de certification sera considérée 
comme conclue, et la Liste du Royaume -Uni entrera en vigueur à une date qui sera spécifiée par le 
Royaume -Uni.2 
 
_______________  
 
 
                                                
1 Document GATS/EL/31 du 15  avril 1994.  
2 La date d'application qui sera spécifiée ne sera pas antérieure à la date d'expiration de toute pé riode 
transitoire convenue entre l'Union européenne et le Royaume -Uni en vertu de l'article 50 du Traité sur le 
fonctionnement de l'Union européenne ou, en l'absence d'une telle période, au 30  mars 2019.  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 3 - 
 
  PARTIE II  
NOTE EXPLICATIVE SUR  LES CHANGEMENTS PUR EMENT TECHNIQUES (CO NFORMÉMENT AU 
PARAGRAPHE 3 DU DOCU MENT S/L/106)  
1. Le texte authentique contenant les exemptions NPF actuelles du Royaume -Uni se trouve dans 
la Liste de l'UE. C'est donc ce document qui a été utilisé  comme point de départ pour établir la Liste 
du Royaume -Uni. Le principe sur lequel repose l'établissement de la Liste du Royaume -Uni est que 
le Royaume -Uni bénéficie des exemptions qui lui sont applicables conformément à la Liste de l'UE. 
Il s'agit donc d 'un exercice technique, et la procédure appropriée à employer est celle énoncée dans 
le document S/L/106.  
 
2. Conformément au paragraphe 3 du document S/L/106, la présente note vise à indiquer, pour 
la Liste du Royaume -Uni, les changements purement techniques  (ci-après les "changements 
techniques") qui n'altèrent pas la substance des exemptions existantes.  
3. Pour faciliter l'examen, la présente note décrit de façon systématique les changements 
techniques qui ont été opérés pour séparer les exemptions NPF du Roya ume-Uni de celles de l'UE et 
de ses États membres.  
4. La présente note décrit successivement: I) les changements techniques de caractère général; 
et II) les changements techniques spécifiques apportés à certaines exemptions. Pour assurer la 
transparence, chaq ue fois que cela est possible, les renvois aux pages de la Liste de l'UE sont 
indiqués dans les notes de bas de page de la présente note. Les renvois aux pages de la Liste du 
Royaume -Uni font référence à la Liste du Royaume -Uni indiquant les changements te chniques  
5. La présente note n'est pas une annexe de la Liste du Royaume -Uni et ne préjuge pas de la 
position du Royaume -Uni en ce qui concerne l'interprétation juridique de l'AGCS.  
1. CHANGEMENTS TECHNIQU ES DE CARACTÈRE GÉNÉ RAL 
1.1  SUPPRESSION OU REMPLACEMENT DE RÉFÉRENCES INAPPROPRIÉES  
1.1  Une fois que le Royaume -Uni aura quitté l'UE, il ne sera plus approprié que la Liste du 
Royaume -Uni fasse référence à l'UE, aux traités de l'UE, à la législation de l'UE établie au titre de 
ces traités ou aux dispositions ména geant des exemptions pour les États membres de l'UE. En effet, 
le Royaume -Uni ne sera plus partie aux traités de l'UE ni membre de l'UE et ne pourra donc 
mentionner des exemptions que pour le traitement accordé sur son propre territoire.  
 
1.2  En conséquence:  
• les références aux "CE" ou aux "États membres" ont été supprimées ou remplacées par 
des références au "Royaume -Uni" (selon qu'il est approprié);  
• les références à la législation de l'UE ont été supprimées et remplacées par une description 
des m esures concernées du Royaume -Uni; et  
• les références aux "pays tiers" ont été remplacées par des références aux "autres Membres 
de l'OMC", car la première expression est utilisée dans la Liste de l'UE pour établir une 
distinction entre les États membres de l'UE et les autres pays.  
1.3  La Liste du Royaume -Uni indiquant les changements fait clairement apparaître chaque mention 
à laquelle des modifications ont été apportées ainsi que le texte utilisé pour la remplacer.  
 S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 4 - 
 
  1.2  SUPPRESSION D'EXEMPTIONS QUI NE CONCERNE NT QUE LES AUTRES ÉTATS 
MEMBRES DE L'UE  
1.4  Certaines exemptions figurant dans la Liste de l'UE ne s'appliquent pas au Royaume -Uni. Elles 
ont donc été supprimées. Ces exemptions sont les suivantes:  
 
Secteur ou sous -secteur  Description de la mesure  
Services audiovisuels – Services de distribution  L'obligation d'obtenir une licence pour la distribution 
de films doublés d'origine non communautaire ne 
s'applique pas, en Espagne, aux films d'origine 
européenne spécialement recommandés pour les 
enfants.1 
Services audiovisuels – Services de diffusion 
télévisuelle et radiophonique  Participation étrangère dans les sociétés italiennes en 
excédent de 49% du capital et des droits de vote, 
autorisée sous réserve de réciprocité.2 
Services audiovisuels – Producti on et distribution 
d'œuvres cinématographiques et de programmes de 
télévision dans les pays nordiques  Mesures adoptées par le Danemark pour l'octroi 
d'avantages prévus dans des programmes d'aide tels 
que NORDIC FILM et TV FUND afin de favoriser la 
production et la distribution d'œuvres audiovisuelles 
produites dans les pays nordiques.3 
Services de transports routiers – Marchandises (CPC 
7123)  L'autorisation d'implantation d'une présence 
commerciale en Espagne peut être refusée aux 
fournisseurs de s ervices dont le pays d'origine 
n'accorde pas aux fournisseurs espagnols de services 
un accès effectif à son marché.4 
Services de transport – Voies navigables intérieures  Mesures fondées sur des accords existants ou futurs 
concernant l'accès aux voies navi gables intérieures (y 
compris les accords en rapport avec l'axe 
Rhin-Main-Danube) qui réservent les droits de trafic 
aux exploitants basés dans les pays concernés et 
remplissant les critères de nationalité en matière de 
propriété.5 
Services de transport – Voies navigables intérieures  Réglementations portant application de la Convention 
de Mannheim pour la navigation du Rhin.6 
Services de location simple ou en crédit -bail de 
bateaux, sans équipage (CPC 83103). Location de 
navires avec équipage (CPC 7213, 7 223) L'affrètement de navires étrangers par des 
consommateurs résidant en Allemagne peut être 
subordonné à l'octroi de la réciprocité.7 
Services d'édition (Partie de CPC 88442)  Participation étrangère dans les sociétés italiennes en 
excédent de 49% du cap ital et des droits de vote, 
autorisée sous réserve de réciprocité.8 
Services d'agences d'information (Partie de CPC  962) Participation étrangère dans des sociétés établies en 
France éditant des publications en langue française, 
autorisée en excédent de 20 % du capital ou des 
droits de vote sous réserve de réciprocité.9 
Services d'agences de presse (Partie de CPC  962) Accès au marché français sous réserve de 
réciprocité.10 
Services financiers  Mesure accordant un régime fiscal favorable (régime 
extraterritorial) en Italie aux fournisseurs de services 
commerçant avec les pays auxquels la mesure 
s'applique.11 
Tous les secteurs  Mesures prises au Danemark pour promouvoir la 
coopération entre les pays nordiques, par exemple:  
- aide financière à des pr ojets de 
recherche -développement (Fonds nordique 
industriel);  
                                                
1 Voir les pages 2 et 3 du document GATS/EL/31 du 15  avril 1994.  
2 Voir la page 3 du document GATS/EL/31 du 15  avril 1994 . 
3 Ibid. 
4 Voir la page 4 du document GATS/EL/31 du 15  avril 1994.  
5 Voir la page 5 du document GATS/EL/31 du 15  avril 1994.  
6 Ibid. 
7 Ibid. 
8 Ibid. 
9 Voir les pages 5 et 6 du document GATS/EL/31 du 15  avril 1994.  
10 Voir la page 6 du document GATS/EL/31 du 15  avril 1994.  
11 Voir les pages 6 et 7 du document GATS/EL/31 du 15  avril 1994.  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 5 - 
 
  Secteur ou sous -secteur  Description de la mesure  
 - financement d'études de faisabilité en vue de 
projets internationaux (Fonds nordique pour les 
exportations de projets);  
- assistance financière aux entreprises utilisant une 
technologie envi ronnementale (Société nordique de 
financement pour l'environnement).12 
Tous les secteurs  L'autorisation d'acquérir des propriétés immobilières 
en Italie est accordée aux personnes physiques ou 
morales étrangères sur la base de la réciprocité.13 
Tous les secteurs  Dérogation, au Portugal, aux prescriptions de 
nationalité pour l'exercice de certaines activités ou 
professions par des personnes physiques qui 
fournissent des services en provenance des pays 
désignés.14 
Tous les secteurs  Facilitation des formalités d'accès en France pour 
l'exercice de certaines activités et professions de 
service par des personnes physiques ou morales de 
certains pays tiers.15 
Tous les secteurs  Mesures fondées sur des accords bilatéraux conclus 
entre l'Italie et des pays t iers, garantissant la 
délivrance de permis de travail aux travailleurs 
saisonniers.16 
 
2. CHANGEMENTS TECHNIQU ES APPORTÉS À CERTAI NES EXEMPTIONS  
2.1  En ce qui concerne l'exemption relative aux Services audiovisuels – Production et 
distribution d'œuvres ciném atographiques et de programmes de télévision17 (page 7),  la 
liste exemplative des pays avec lesquels l'UE a conclu ou négocie actuellement des accords 
concernant la coproduction d'œuvres audiovisuelles a été supprimée. La portée de cette exemption 
est déter minée par les termes "Tous les pays avec lesquels une collaboration dans le domaine 
culturel peut être souhaitable", avec la liste des pays indiquée entre parenthèses à des fins de 
transparence. La liste exemplative des pays a donc été supprimée pour évite r que la Liste du 
Royaume -Uni n'induise en erreur une fois que le Royaume -Uni aura quitté l'UE.  
 
2.2  En ce qui concerne l'exemption relative aux SIR, vente et commercialisation de services 
de transports aériens18 (page 9), la  référence au "Règlement (CE) n ° 2299/89, modifié par le 
Règlement (CE) n°  3089/93" a été supprimée, car le Royaume -Uni ne sera plus partie aux traités 
de l'UE. Cette référence a été remplacée par une référence au règlement du Royaume -Uni 
concernant les SIR.  
 
_______________  
 
 
                                                
12 Voir la page 7 du document GATS/EL/31 du 15  avril 1994.  
13 Ibid. 
14 Voir les pages 7 et 8 du document GATS/EL/31 du 15  avril 1994 . 
15 Voir la page 8 du document GATS/EL/31 du 15  avril 1994 . 
16 Voir la page 9 du document GATS/EL/31 du 15  avril 1994.  
17 Voir la page 2 du document GATS/EL/31 du 15  avril 1994.  
18 Voir la page 4 d u document GATS/EL/31 du 15  avril 1994.   
  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 6 - PART III  
UK LIST OF ARTICLE I I (MFN) EXEMPTIONS I NDICATING THE TECHNI CAL CHANGES  
 
UNITED KINGDOM OF GR EAT BRITAIN AND NORT HERN IRELAND – LIST OF ARTICLE II (MFN) EXEMPTIONS  
 
Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Audiovisual services - 
Distribution of 
audiovisual works  Redressive duties which may be 
imposed in order to respond to 
unfair pricing practices, by certain 
third countries other WTO Members  
distributors of audiovisual works.  All Members  Indefinite  Unfair pricing practices may cause 
serious disruption to the 
distribution of European works  
Audiovisual services  Measures taken to prevent, 
correct or counterbalance 
adverse, unfair or unreasonable 
conditions or actions affecting 
ECUK audiovisual services, 
products or service providers, in 
response to corresponding or 
comparable actions taken by other 
Members.  All Members  Indefinite  
The need for exemption will lapse 
together with corresponding 
exemption from other Members  Need to protect the European 
Communities and their Member 
States UK from adverse, unfair or 
unreasonable unilateral actions 
from other Members  
Audiovisual Services - 
production and 
distribution of 
audiovisual works 
through broadcasting 
or other forms of 
transmission to the 
public.  Measures which define works of 
European origin, in such a way as 
to extend national treatment to 
audiovisual works which meet 
certain linguistic and origin criteria 
regarding access to broadcasting 
or similar forms of transmissi on. Parties to the Council of Europe 
Convention on Transfrontier 
Television or other European 
countries with whom an 
agreement may be concluded.  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  The measures aim, within the 
sector, to promote cultural values 
both within EC Member States and  
with other countries in Europe, as 
well as achieving linguistic policy 
objectives    
  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 7 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Audiovisual Services - 
Production and 
distribution of 
cinematographic 
works and television 
programmes  Measures based upon 
government -to-government 
framework agreements, and 
plurilateral agreements, on 
coproduction of audiovisual works, 
which confer National Treatment 
to audiovisual works covered by 
these agre ements, in particular in 
relation to distribution and access 
to funding.  All countries with whom cultural 
cooperation may be desirable 
(agreements already exist, or are 
being negotiated, with the 
following countries:  Algeria, 
Angola, Argentina, Australia,  
Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, 
Cape Verde, Chile, Côte d'Ivoire, 
Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Guinea 
Bissau, India, Israel, Mali, Mexico, 
Morocco, Mozambique, New 
Zealand, São Tomé e Principe, 
Senegal, States in Central, 
Eastern and South -Eastern 
Europe, Switzer land,Tunisia, 
Turkey, Venezuela) . Indefinite  The aim of these agreements is to 
promote cultural links between the 
countries concerned  
Audiovisual Services - 
Production and 
distribution of 
television 
programmes and 
cinematographic 
works  Measures granting the benefit of 
any support programmes (such as 
Action Plan for Advanced 
Television Services , MEDIA  or 
EURIMAGES ) to audiovisual 
works, and suppliers of such 
works, meeting certain European 
origin criteria.  European countries  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  These programmes aim at 
preserving and promoting the 
regional identity of countries 
within Europe which have long -
standing cultural links  
Audiovisual -
Distribution services  Waiver of the requirement in Spain 
to obtain licences for the 
distribution of dubbed films of 
non-Community origin, granted to 
films of European origin which are 
especially recommended for 
children's audiences.  Parties to  the Council of Europe  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed for certain 
countries, until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  The measure aims at promoting 
European cultural values and 
linguistic policy objectives toward 
the youth.   
  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 8 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Audiovisual services:  
television and radio 
broadcasting services  Foreign participation in companies 
in Italy exceeding 49% of the 
capital and voting rights, subject 
to a condition of reciprocity.  All countries  Indefinite  Need to ensure effective market 
access and equivalent treatment 
for Italian service suppliers  
Audiovisual services:  
production and 
distribution of 
cinematographic 
works and television 
programmes in Nordic 
countries  Measures taken in Denmark that 
are adopted for the 
implementation of benefits in 
conformity with such support 
programmes as the NORDIC FILM 
and TV FUND in order to enhance 
production and distribution of 
audiovisual works produced in 
Nordic countries.  Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland  Indefinite  Preservation and promotion of the 
regional identity of the countries 
concerned  
Road transport - 
passenger and freight  Provisions in existing or future 
agreements on international road 
haulage (including combined 
transport - road/rail) and 
passenger transport, concluded 
between the EC or their Member 
States UK and third countries other 
WTO Members , which:  
 
-reserve or limit the provision of a 
transport service between 
the contracting parties or 
across the territory of the 
contracting parties to 
vehicles registered in each 
contracting party;  
 
-provide for tax exemption for 
such vehicles.  Switzerland, States in Central, 
Eastern and South -Eastern Europe 
and all Members of the 
Commonwealth o f Independent 
States, Albania, Turkey, Lebanon, 
Israel, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, 
Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Cyprus, 
Malta, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, 
Kuwait  Indefinite  The need for exemption is linked 
to the regional characteristics of 
the cross -border provision of road 
transport services   
  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 9 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Road transport 
services - 
Freight  
(CPC 7123)  Authorization for the  
establishment of a commercial 
presence in Spain may be refused 
to service suppliers, whose 
country of origin does not accord 
effective market access to Spanish 
service suppliers  All countries  Indefinite  Need to ensure effective market 
access and equivalen t treatment 
for Spanish service suppliers  
CRS and sales and 
marketing of air 
transport services  Provision of Article 7 of Regulation 
(EC) No. 2299/89, as amended by 
Regulation (EC) No. 3089/93, 
whereby t The obligations of CRS 
system vendors or of parent and 
participating air carriers shall not 
apply where equivalent treatment 
to that applied under the 
Regulation UK CRS rules  is not 
accorded in the country of origin of 
the parent carrier or of the system 
vendor. All countries where a CRS system 
vendor or a parent air carrier is 
located.  Indefinite  The need for the exemption results 
from the insufficient development 
of multilaterally agreed rules for 
the operation of CRS.  
Internal waterways 
transport  Measures  based upon existing or 
future agreements on access to 
inland waterways (incl. 
agreements following the Rhine -
Main-Danube link), which reserve 
traffic rights for operators based in 
the countries concerned and 
meeting nationality criteria 
regarding ownershi p. Switzerland, States in Central, 
Eastern and South -Eastern Europe 
and all Members of the 
Commonwealth of Independent 
States.  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  To regulate transport capacity on 
inland waterways taking into 
account geographic specificity.  
Internal waterways 
transport  Regulations implementing the 
Mannheim Convention on Rhine 
Shipping.  Switzerland  Indefinite  To regulate transport capacity on 
inland waterways taking into 
account geographic specificity.   
  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 10 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Rental/leasing 
services without 
operators, relating to 
ships 
(CPC 83103).  
Rental of vessels with 
crew  
(CPC 7213, 7223).  Chartering in of foreign ships by 
consumers resident in Germany 
may be subject to condition of 
reciprocity.  All countries  Indefinite  Need to ensure effective market 
access and equivalent treatment 
for German service suppliers.  
Publishing  
(Part of CPC 88442)  Foreign participation in companies 
in Italy exceeding 49% of the 
capital and voting rights, subject 
to a condition of reciprocity.  All countries  Indefinite  Need to ensure effective market 
access and equivalent treatment 
for Italian service suppliers.  
Newsagency Services  
(Part of CPC 962)  Foreign participation in companies 
in France publishing publications 
in the French language exceeding 
20% of the capital or of voting 
rights in the company, subject to 
a condition of reciprocity.  All countries  Indefinite  Need to ensure effective market 
access and equivalent treatment 
for French service suppliers.  
Press Agency Services  
(Part of CPC 962)  Market access in France.  Subject 
to a condition of reciprocity.  All countries  Indefinite  Need to ensure effective market 
access and equivalent treatment 
for French service suppliers.   
  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 11 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Direct non -life 
insurance  Measures based on a bilateral 
agreement between the European 
Communities UK and Switzerland 
on direct insurance other than life 
insurance.  This agreement 
provides on a reciprocal basis for 
freedom of establishment and the 
right to  take up or pursue non -life 
insurance business for agencies 
and branches of undertakings 
whose head office is situated in the 
territory of the other contracting 
party.  Switzerland  Indefinite  Need to remove obstacles to the 
taking up and pursuit of non -life 
insurance business in the 
framework of an agreement 
between the European 
Communities UK and Switzerland 
on non -life insurance consistent 
with the provisions of paragraph 3 
of the Annex of Financial Services  
Financial services  Measure granting favourable tax 
treatment (off -shore regime) in 
Italy to service suppliers trading 
with the countries to which the 
measure applies.  States in Central, Eastern and 
South -Eastern Europe, and all 
Members of the Commonwealth of 
Independent States  10 years  The need to aid the countries 
concerned in their transition to a 
market economy.   
  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 12 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
All sectors  Measures taken in Denmark aimed 
at promoting Nordic cooperation, 
such as:  
 
-financial support to R&D projects 
(the Nordic Industrial Fund);  
 
-funding of feasibility studies for 
international projects (the 
Nordic Fund for Project 
Exports);  
 
-financial assistance to 
companies* utilizing 
environmental technology 
(the Nordic Environment 
Finance Corporation).  Sweden, Finland, Iceland and 
Norway  Indefinite  To maintain and develop Nordic 
cooperation.  
All sectors  Authorization for purchase of real 
estate in Italy by foreign natural 
persons and juridical persons 
granted on the basis of reciprocity.  All countries  Indefinite  The reciprocity requirement is put 
in place to ensure equivalent 
treatment for Italians in other 
countries.  
All sectors  Waiver of nationality requirements 
for the exercise, in Portugal, of 
certain activities and professions 
by natural persons supplying 
services from the designated 
countries  Countries of Port uguese official 
language (Angola, Brazil, Cape 
Verde, Guinea -Bissau, 
Mozambique and São Tomé & 
Principe)  Indefinite  This measure reflects historical 
links between Portugal and these 
countries.  
                                                
*     Applies to East European companies, which are cooperating with one or more Nordic companies.   
  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 13 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
All sectors  Facilitation of access procedures in 
France for the exercise of certain 
services activities and professions 
by natural and legal persons of 
certain third countries  Francophone African countries, 
Algeria, Switzerland and Romania  10 years  This measure reflects historical 
links between France and these 
countries.  
All sectors  For citizens of Commonwealth 
countries with a grandparent born 
in the UK, the UK waives the 
requirement for a work permit in 
all services sectors  Countries members of the British  
Commonwealth of Nations  Indefinite  This measure reflects  historical 
links between these countries and 
the UK.  
All sectors  Measures based on bilateral 
agreements between the 
European Communities and/or 
their Member States UK and 
Switzerland with the objective of 
providing for the movement of all 
categories of natural persons 
supplying services  Switzerland  Indefinite  The agreements reflect a process 
of progressive trade liberalisation 
between the EC UK and its 
regional trading partner.   
  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 14 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
All sectors  Measures based on existing or 
future bilateral agreements 
between the European 
Communities and certain Member 
States  UK and the countries and 
principalities concerned, providing 
for: 
 
a)the right of establishment for 
juridical and natural persons 
and; 
 
b)waiving the requirements of 
work permits for natural 
persons supplying services.  San Marino, Monaco, Andorra, 
Vatican City State.  Indefinite  The geographical situation and  
historical, economic and cultural 
links between the Member States 
of the European Communities UK 
and the countries and 
principalities concerned.  
All sectors  Measures based upon bilateral 
agreements between Italy and 
third countries guaranteeing work 
permits for seasonal workers.  States in Central Eastern and 
South -Eastern Europe and in the 
Mediterranean Basin.  Indefinite  Seasonal shortages of workers 
and to ensure the orderly 
movement of seasonal workers.   
  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 15 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
All sectors - 
principally 
construction and hotel 
and catering  Measures based upon bilateral 
agreements between Community 
Member States the UK  and 
European and Mediterranean 
countries guaranteeing work 
permits, for the purposes of 
temporary contract work, on the 
basis of contracts between an 
employer of the third country 
concerned and a UK company in 
the Member State concerned , and 
which permit limited numbers of 
workers from the countries 
concerned to be employed in 
certain service sectors;  the 
numbers are subject to variation 
according to criteria established in 
the agreement.  States in Central, Eastern and 
South -Eastern Europe, in cluding 
Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and 
Georgia, and in the Mediterranean 
Basin.  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  The agreements form part of a 
broader initiative to a ssist the 
countries concerned in their 
process of economic transition and 
development.   
 
 
_______________  
 
  
  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 16 - PART IV  
CLEAN VERSION OF THE  UK LIST UK LIST OF ARTICLE II (MFN) EXEMPTIONS  
 
UNITED KINGDOM OF GR EAT BRITAIN AND NORT HERN IRELAND – LIST OF ARTICLE II (MFN) EXEMPTIONS  
 
Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Audiovisual services - 
Distribution of 
audiovisual works  Redressive duties which may be 
imposed in order to respond to 
unfair pricing practices, by other 
WTO Members distributors of 
audiovisual works.  All Members  Indefinite  Unfair pricing practices may cause 
serious disruption to the 
distribution of European works  
Audiovisual services  Measures taken to prevent, 
correct or counterbalance 
adverse, unfair or unreasonable 
conditions or actions affecting UK 
audiovisual services, products or 
service providers, in response to 
corresponding or comparable 
actions taken by other Members.  All Members  Indefinite  
The need for exemption will lapse 
together with corresponding 
exemption from other Members  Need to protect the UK from 
adverse, unfair or unreasonable 
unilateral actions from other 
Members  
Audiovisual Services - 
production and 
distribution of 
audiovisual works 
through broadcasting 
or other forms of 
transmission to the 
public.  Measures which define works of 
European origin, in such a way as 
to extend national treatment to 
audiovisual works which meet 
certain linguistic and origin criteria 
regarding access to broadcasting 
or similar forms of transmission.  Parties to the Council of Europe 
Convention on Transfro ntier 
Television or other European 
countries with whom an 
agreement may be concluded.  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  The measures aim, within the 
sector, to promote cultural values 
with other countries in Europe, as 
well as achieving linguistic policy 
objectives    
  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 17 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Audiovisual Services - 
Production and 
distribution of 
cinematographic 
works and television 
programmes  Measu res based upon 
government -to-government 
framework agreements, and 
plurilateral agreements, on 
coproduction of audiovisual works, 
which confer National Treatment 
to audiovisual works covered by 
these agreements, in particular in 
relation to distribution and  access 
to funding.  All countries with whom cultural 
cooperation may be desirable.  Indefinite  The aim of these agreements is to 
promote cultural links between the 
countries concerned  
Audiovisual Services - 
Production and 
distribution of 
television 
programmes and 
cinematographic 
works  Measures granting the benefit of 
any support programmes (such as 
Action Plan for Advanced 
Television Services , MEDIA  or 
EURIMAGES ) to audiovisual 
works, and suppliers of such 
works, meeting certain European 
origin crite ria. European countries  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  These programmes aim at 
preserving and promoting the 
regional identity of countries 
within Europe which have long -
standing cultural links   
  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 18 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Road transport - 
passenger and freight  Provisions in existing or future 
agreements on international road 
haulage (including combined 
transport - road/rail) and 
passenger transport, concluded 
between the UK and other WTO 
Members, which:  
 
-reserve or limit the provision of a 
transport service between 
the contracting parties or 
across the territory of the 
contracting parties to 
vehicles registered in each 
contracting party;  
 
-provide for tax exemption for 
such vehicles.  Switzerland, States in Central, 
Eastern and South -Eastern Europe 
and all Members of the 
Commonwealth of Independent 
States, Albania, Turkey, Lebanon, 
Israel, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, 
Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Cyprus, 
Malta, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, 
Kuwait  Indefinite  The need for exemption is linked 
to the regional characteristics of 
the cross -border provision of road 
transport services  
CRS and sales and 
marketing of air 
transport services  The obligations of CRS system 
vendors or of parent and 
participating air carriers shall not 
apply where equivalent treatment 
to that applied under UK CRS rules 
is not accorded in the country of 
origin of the parent carrier or of 
the system vendor.  All countries where a CRS system 
vendor or a parent air carrier is 
located.  Indefinite  The need for the exemption results 
from the insufficient development 
of multilaterally agreed rules for 
the operation of CRS.   
  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 19 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
Direct non -life 
insurance  Measures based on a bilateral 
agreement between the UK and 
Switzerland on direct insurance 
other than life insurance.  This 
agreement provides on a 
reciprocal basis for freedom of 
establishment and the right to 
take up or pursue non -life 
insurance business for agencies 
and branches of undertakings 
whose head office is situated in the 
territory o f the other contracting 
party.  Switzerland  Indefinite  Need to remove obstacles to the 
taking up and pursuit of non -life 
insurance business in the 
framework of an agreement 
between the UK and Switzerland 
on non -life insurance consistent 
with the provisions of paragraph 3 
of the Annex of Financial Services  
All sectors  For citizens of Commonwealth 
countries with a grandparent born 
in the UK, the UK waives the 
requirement for a work permit in 
all services sectors  Countries members of the 
Commonwealth of Nations  Indefinite  This measure reflects historical 
links between these countries and 
the UK.  
All sectors  Measures based on bilateral 
agreements between the UK and 
Switzerland with the objective of 
providing for the movement of all 
categories of natural p ersons 
supplying services  Switzerland  Indefinite  The agreements reflect a process 
of progressive trade liberalisation 
between the UK and its regional 
trading partner.   
  S/C/W/38 1 
 
- 20 - Sector or subsector  Description of measure 
indicating its inconsistency 
with Article  II Countries to which the 
measure applies  Intended duration  Conditions creating the need 
for the exemption  
All sectors  Measures based on existing or 
future bilateral agreements 
between the UK and  the countries 
and principalities concerned, 
providing for:  
 
a) the right of establishment for 
juridical and natural persons 
and; 
 
b) waiving the requirements of 
work permits for natural 
persons supplying services.  San Marino, Monaco, Andorra, 
Vatican City  State.  Indefinite  The historical, economic and 
cultural links between the UK and 
the countries and principalities 
concerned.  
All sectors - 
principally 
construction and hotel 
and catering  Measures based upon bilateral 
agreements between the UK and 
European and Mediterranean 
countries guaranteeing work 
permits, for the purposes of 
temporary contract work, on the 
basis of contracts between an 
employer of the country 
concerned and a UK company, and 
which permit limited numbers of 
workers from the count ries 
concerned to be employed in 
certain service sectors; the 
numbers are subject to variation 
according to criteria established in 
the agreement.  States in Central, Eastern and 
South -Eastern Europe, including 
Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and 
Georgia, and in t he Mediterranean 
Basin.  Indefinite.  
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic 
integration agreement is 
concluded or completed.  The agreements form part of a 
broader initiative to assist the 
countries concerned in their 
process of economic transition and 
development.   
 
 
__________