WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
WT/REG292/1 
26 June 2012 
 (12-3396) 
Committee on Regional Trade Agreements  
  
 
  
 
 
FACTUAL PRESENTATION 
 
Free Trade Agreement  
between  
the EFTA States and Albania 
(Goods) 
 
Report by the Secretariat 
 
 
 
 This report, prepared for the consideration of the Free Trade Agreement between the EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) and the Republic of Albania has been drawn up by the WTO Se cretariat on its own responsibility and in 
full consultation with the Parties.  The re port has been drawn up in accordance with 
the rules and procedures contained in th e Decision for a Transparency Mechanism 
for Regional Trade Agreements (WT/L/671).   Any technical questions arising from this report may be addressed to Jean-Daniel Rey (tel: +41 22 739 52 64).  WT/REG292/1 
 Page iii 
 
 
  TABLE OF CONTENTS   
Page 
I.  TRADE ENVIRONMENT 1  
II.  CHARACTERISTIC ELEMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT 5  
A.  BACKGROUND INFORMATION  5  
B.  STRUCTURE OF THE AGREEMENT  5  
III.  PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN GOODS 6  
A.  IMPORT DUTIES AND CHARGES , AND QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS  6  
1.  General provisions 6  
2.  Liberalization of trade and tariff lines 7  
(a)  EFTA States 8  
(b)  Albania 10  
3.  Liberalization schedules 11  
(a)  EFTA States 11  
(b)  Albania 14  
4.  Tariff rate quotas 17  
5.  Import restrictions 17  
B.  RULES OF ORIGIN  17  
C.  EXPORT DUTIES AND CHARGES , AND QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS  20  
D.  REGULATORY PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN GOODS  20  
1.  Standards 20  
(a)  Sanitary and phytosanitary measures 20  
(b)  Technical barriers to trade 20  
1.  Safeguard mechanisms 20  
(a)  Global safeguards 20  
(b)  Bilateral safeguards 20  
(c)  Restrictions to safeguard the balance of payments 21  
3.  Anti-dumping, countervailing measures, and subsidies 21  
4.  State trading enterprises 22  
5.  Customs-related procedures  and trade facilitation 22  
E.  SECTOR -SPECIFIC PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN GOODS  23  
IV.  GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT 23  
A.  TRANSPARENCY  23  
B.  CURRENT PAYMENTS AND CAPITAL MOVEMENTS  23  
C.  EXCEPTIONS  23  
D.  ACCESSION AND WITHDRAWAL  23  
E.  GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT  24  
F.  INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS  24  
G.  OTHERS  26 
1.  Competition 26  
2.  Services and Investments 26  
H.  INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK  27  
I.  DISPUTE SETTLEMENT  27  
J.  RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER AGREEMENTS CONCLUDED BY THE PARTIES  28  
ANNEX I 30 
1.  Indicators of improvement of  market access conditions 32  
ANNEX II 38  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 1 
 
 
   
 
 
Key Facts 
 
Parties to the Agreement:  The EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and 
Switzerland); and Albania. 
 
Date of Signature:   17 December 2009. 
 
Dates of Entry into Force:  1 November 2010 (for Albania, Liechtenstein and 
Switzerland); 1 August 2011 (for Albania and 
Norway); and 1 October 2011 (for Albania and 
Iceland). 
 
Dates of Notification:  7 February 2011 (for Albania, Liechtenstein and 
Switzerland); 28 July 2011 (for Albania and Norway); 
and 16 September 2011 (for Albania and Iceland). 
 
Full implementation:  1 November 2010 (for Albania, Liechtenstein and 
Switzerland); 1 August 2011 (for Albania and 
Norway); and 1 Octobe r 2011 (for Albania and 
Iceland). 
 
 
 
I. TRADE ENVIRONMENT1 
1. The Parties to the EFTA-Albania Free Trade Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the 
Agreement) are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland (which comprise EFTA; hereinafter 
referred to as the EFTA States2) and the Republic of Albania (hereinafter referred to as Albania).  The 
Agreement is one of the 28 RTAs which have  so far been concluded by the EFTA States3 and one of 
the 4 RTAs concluded by Albania.   
2. In 2010, with a total population of 13 million, the EFTA States' combined GDP was estimated 
at US$950 billion while that of Albania, with a population of 3.2 million was estimated at US$11billion. In 2011, the EFTA States combined sh ares in total world exports and imports were 
2.17% and 1.64% respectively, while Albania's shares  were 0.01% for exports and 0.03% for imports.  
Their world export rankings
4, were 18th for Switzerland/Liechtenstein (total exports of 
US$195 billion), 21st for Norway (total exports of US$131 billion), and 84th for Iceland (total exports 
of US$4.6 billion), while Albania ranked 109th (with total exports of US$1.5 billion).  Their import 
rankings were 17th for Switzerland/Liechtenstein (total imports of US$176 billion), 24th for Norway 
(total imports of US$77 billion), and 101st for Iceland (total imports of US$3.9 billion), while Albania 
ranked 93rd (with total imports of US$4.6 billion). 
3. In 20105, the EFTA States were Albania's 7th larg est source of imports, accounting for 1.6% 
of its total imports.  The EFTA States were Albani a's 5th largest destina tion for exports, accounting 
                                                      
1 Source for this section: WTO Trade Profiles 20 11 (2010 data) complemented by UNSD/Comtrade 
database figures.  Export figures are calculated f.o.b. and import figures are calculated c.i.f.  Ranking in world 
trade excluding intra-EU trade.   
2 Liechtenstein and Switzerland have a Customs Un ion, which includes a common external tariff for 
trade in goods.  In the WTO, one single Schedule of  tariff concessions covers their customs territories. 
3 RTAs notified (and non notified) and currently in  force, including RTAs concluded by individual 
EFTA States. 
4 Ranking excluding intra-EU trade but including intra-EFTA trade. 
5 Excluding intra-EU and intra-EFTA trade. WT/REG292/1 
Page 2  
 
  for 4.2% of its total exports (Sw itzerland alone accounting for 4.1%).
6  For the EFTA States, Albania 
represented 0.002% of its total im ports, making it the EFTA States' 98th largest source of imports - 
while Albania was also the EFTA States 100th largest destination for exports, and accounting for 
0.01% of the EFTA States total exports.7  
4. Developments in global and intra-Party trade are presented in Charts I.1 and I.2.  While 
EFTA has run a global surplus since 2001, Albania's gl obal trade deficit has widened.  Bilateral trade 
between the EFTA States and Albania progressed steadily between 2001 and 2008 followed, in 2009, 
by a sharp decline in connection with the global financial and economic crisis.  Since 2009 trade has 
shown signs of recovery except for exports from EFTA  to Albania, which continued to fall, despite 
growth in global exports.  In their bilateral rela tions, the EFTA States have had, during the last 
decade, a constant and important surplus in mercha ndise trade with Albania.  During the last three 
years, however the surplus has been progressively reduced although there are important gaps in the 
data on exports to EFTA reported by Albania.   
01020304050607080
050100150200250300350400
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010US$ billion US$ millionChart I.1 - EFTA: Merchandise import s from and export s to world and 
Albania, 2001-2010
Source : UNSD, Comtrade database.Imports from Albania
Exports to AlbaniaTotal imports
Total exportsLeft hand scale: Right hand scale:
 
 
                                                      
6 In 2010 the five top sources of imports for Albania were: EU27 (64.6%), China (6.3%), Turkey 
(5.7%), Serbia (4.7%), and the Russian Federation (2.2%) ; the five top export destinations from Albania were: 
EU27 (70%); Serbia (8.3%); Turkey (6%) ; China (5.5%); and Switzerland (4.1%). 
7 In 2010, the five top sources of imports for the EFTA States together were: the EU27 (72.8%), the US 
(5.4%), China (4.9%), Japan (2.1%), and Canada (1.3%);  the five top destinations of exports from the EFTA 
States were:  the EU27 (67.8%), the US (8%), Chin a (2.8%), Japan (2.5%), and Hong Kong, China (2%).  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 3 
 
 
  0100200300
0123456789
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010US$ billion US$ millionChart I.2 - Albania: Merchandise imports from and exports to world and 
EFTA, 2001-2010
Note: no export data to Norway in 2001 and 2003; no export data to Iceland in 2004-2006 and 2009.
Source : UNSD, Comtrade database.Imports from EFTA
Exports to EFTATotal imports
Total exportsLeft hand scale: Right hand scale:
 
 
5. The commodity structure of trade between th e EFTA States and Albania, as well as with the 
world, in the period 2008-2010, is shown in Chart I.3 on the basis of Harmonized System (HS) sections.  Footwear accounted for more than one third of the EFTA States imports from Albania 
(35.9%).  This sector represented 17.1% of Alba nia's global exports and only 0.8% of the EFTA 
States global imports from the world.  The EFTA States second and third largest import from Albania were textiles and machinery (respectively 21.6  and 19.7%), which were also Albania's 1
st and 
5th largest global exports (respectively 23.7% and 4% of Albania's exports to the world). Minerals 
accounted for 65.9% of its imports from the EFT A States (essentially petroleum products from 
Norway).  Minerals also constituted the EFTA States largest export sector to Albania (16%) and to the 
world (29.3%).  Chemicals, with 18.2% of Alba nia's imports from the EFTA States, was the second 
important sector vis-a-vis  the EFTA States and also EFTA States' second largest export to the world 
(21.3%). It should however be noted that an importa nt discrepancy exists betw een the trade statistics 
reported to UNSD Comtrade by Albania's and the E FTA's, on which Chart I.3 is based. For example, 
Minerals (petroleum products) accounted for less than 1% of the EFTA's exports to Albania, 
according to EFTA statistics. WT/REG292/1 
Page 4  
 
  Chart I.3
EFTA and Albania: product composition of merchandise trade, annual average 
(2008-2010)
EFTA's imports from Albania Albania's imports from EFTA
Source:  UNSD, Comtrade database.Per cent
Total:  US$ 4.1 million Total:  US$ 114 million
Total:  US$ 255 billion Total: US$ 4.8 billionEFTA's global imports Albania's global importsOther
4.8
Footwear
35.9
Vegetables 12.5
Machinery 
19.7
Miscellaneous 2.1Prepared foods 1.3
Wood pulp 2.3
Minerals
65.9Other
6.6
Prepared foods 
7.9Chemicals 
18.2Machinery 4.7Prepared foods 4.5
Machinery
15.5Other 
7.5
Vehicles 6.0Plastics 3.8Wood pulp 2.4
Textiles 7.6Chemicals 7.5Base metals 12.4Vegetables 5.1Live animals; Animal 
products 3.1
Articles of stone 3.2Other 
6.4
Precious stones 
5.6Optical 4.3Machinery
20.4Vegetables 2.2
Prepared foods 3.5
Vehicles 11.2 Minerals 7.7Plastics 4.1
Chemicals 
15.9Miscellaneous 3.4
Textiles 4.1Textiles 21.6Plastics 1.8
Wood pulp 2.7Minerals 
16.0
Base metals 
8.5
Total:  US$ 1.3 billionAlbania's global exports
Other 
7.0
Prepared foods 2.4
Base metals 17.2Vegetables 2.4Textiles 
23.7
Footwear 
17.1
Minerals 
22.4Wood pulp 2.1Miscellaneous 1.7
Machinery 4.0
Total:  US$ 334 billionEFTA's global exports
Chemicals 21.3Base metals 
6.4
Machinery 14.5Prepared foods 1.8
Minerals
29.3Live animals 3.0
Precious stones 3.9Plastics 1.8
Vehicles 2.5Other 
6.6
Optical 9.0
  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 5 
 
 
  II. CHARACTERISTIC ELEMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT 
A. BACKGROUND INFORMATION  
6. The Agreement was signed on 17 December 2009 by the Parties and entered into force on 
1 November 2010 (between Albania and Liechtens tein/Switzerland), on 1 August 2011 (between 
Albania and Norway), and on 1 October 2011 (between Albania and Iceland).   
7. The Parties notified the Agreement to the WTO on 7 February 2011 (between Albania and 
Liechtenstein/Switzerland)8, on 28 July 2011 (between Albania and Norway)9, and on 16 September 
2011 (between Iceland and Albania).10  The text of the Agreement, together with its Annexes, is 
available on the Parties' official websites: 
 EFTA :  http://www.efta.int/free-trade/free- trade-agreements/albania.aspx  
 
 Albania :  http://www.mete.gov.al/doc /20110120104859_efta.pdf 
 
"http://www.mete.gov.al/ doc/20110120105157 efta-
albania_bilateral_agreement_on _agriculture_switzerland.pdf" 
 
"http://www.mete.gov.al/ doc/20110120105105 efta-
albania_bilateral_agreemen t_on_agriculture_norway.pdf" 
 
"http://www.mete.gov.al/ doc/20110120105015 efta-
albania_bilateral_agreement _on_agriculture_iceland.pdf" 
 
B. STRUCTURE OF THE AGREEMENT  
8. The Agreement is composed of a Preamble and eight Chapters.  It is complemented by five 
Annexes, related to specific Chapters of the Agreement and two Protocols, covering Processed 
Agricultural products and Rules of origin.  Furthe r to the Agreement, there are three bilateral 
agricultural agreements (AAs) between the resp ective EFTA States and Albania.  These bilateral 
agreements entered into force on the same date as the Agreement and shall remain in force as long as 
the Agreement remains in force between the Parties.  
9. Box II.1 below summarizes the legal frame work established by the Agreement. 
Box II.1: structure of the Agreement 
Chapters, Annexes, 
Protocols, and bilateral AAs Title/description 
Preamble  
Chapter 1 Objectives  
Chapter 2 Trade in Goods 
Chapter 3 Protection of Intellectual Property 
Chapter 4 Investment, Services and Government Procurement 
Chapter 5 Payments and Capital Movements 
Chapter 6 Institutional Provisions 
Chapter 7 Dispute Settlement 
Chapter 8 Final Provisions 
Protocol A Processed Ag ricultural Products 
(including Tariff Concessions fr om Albania and from EFTA) 
Protocol B Concept of "Originating Products" and Methods of Administrative Cooperation (including 5 
Appendixes)  
                                                      
8 See document WT/REG292/N/1. 
9 See document WT/REG292/N/2. 
10 See document WT/REG292/N/3. WT/REG292/1 
Page 6  
 
  Box II.1: structure of the Agreement 
 
Annex I 
Annex II 
Annex III Annex IV 
Annex V  
Excluded products 
Fish and Other Marine Products 
Trade Facilitation Mandate of the Sub-Committee on Rules of Orig in, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation 
Protection of Intellectual Property  
 
Agreement on Agriculture between Albania and Iceland 
Agreement on Agriculture between Albania and Norway 
Agreement on Agriculture between Albania and Switzerland  
 
Source: WTO Secretariat based on the Agreement.  
 
10. Unless otherwise provided for in the Agreement, the provisions of the Agreement apply to 
trade and economic relations between Albania, a nd the individual EFTA States but not to trade 
relations between the EFTA States (Article 2). 
11. Norway exempted the territory of Svalbard fro m the application of the Agreement with the 
exception of trade in goods. 
12. The Agreement covers trade in goods and estab lishes a framework for future cooperation in 
the areas of services, investment and public procur ement.  It also contains a section on competition 
(concerning undertakings) and a Chapter on th e protection of intellectual property.  
13. Implementation took place immediately when the Agreement and the AAs entered into force 
between the Parties. 
III. PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN GOODS  
A. IMPORT DUTIES AND CHARGES , AND QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS  
1. General provisions 
14. Trade in goods between the Parties is govern ed by Chapter 2, which sets out the product 
coverage and market access provisions.  The Agre ement applies to all non-agricultural products 
classified under Chapters 25 to 97 of the Harm onized Commodity Description and Coding System 
(HS), excluding certain specified products11 (listed in Annex I of the Agreement).  It therefore also 
includes processed agricultural products covered by Chapter 2, though Protocol A provides for certain 
arrangements which are specific to these products.  Mo reover, a specific treatment is also provided for 
fish and other marine products (See Annex II of th e Agreement).  Furthermore, in addition to the 
disciplines contained in the Agreement and as comple mentary instruments creating the free trade area, 
the three AAs detail separate trade liberalizati on commitments that apply to each Party for the 
agricultural products covered by the AAs. 
15. The Parties agree to apply national treatme nt to each other's goods in accordance with 
Article III of the GATT 1994 and other releva nt WTO Agreements (Article 10.1).   
                                                      
11 For Albania, 145 (eight digit) tariff lines covering 81 chemicals and allied industries products, 
30 raw hides, skins, leather, and furs products, and 34 textiles products. For the EFTA States, certain products 
covered by five (four digit) tariff sub-headings of HS Chapters 35 and 38 (Albuminoidal Sub, Starches, Glues, 
Enzymes, and Miscellaneous chemical products).  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 7 
 
 
  2. Liberalization of trade and tariff lines  
16. Tariff reductions or eliminations take place on the Agreement's date of entry into force.12   
17. For non-agricultural products covered by the Ag reement, the Parties abolished, upon entry 
into force of the Agreement, all customs duties13 on imports originating in Albania or in an EFTA 
States (Article 10), except as provided for in the relevant Annexes14 and Protocols.   
18. The liberalization of processed agricultural products15 is described in Protocol A attached to 
the Agreement. The EFTA Parties retain the right to  levy a duty on products originating in Albania 
listed in Table 2 of Protocol A, to account for diffe rences in the cost of the agricultural raw material 
incorporated into the listed processed  agricultural products.  The duty levied shall be based on, but not 
exceed, the difference between the domestic price a nd the world market price of the agricultural raw 
materials (Article 1 of Protocol A)16. Price compensation does not apply to Albania, which legislation 
does not foresee such a mechanism.  The Parties agreed to notify each other all changes in price 
compensation measures applied, before their entry into force, and all changes in the treatment 
accorded to processed agricultural pr oducts originating in the EU (Ar ticle 4 of Protocol A). While no 
change was brought to Iceland and Norway mechanisms , the entry into force of the revised Protocol 2 
to the FTA between Switzerland and the EU introdu ced a regular updating of the reference prices, 
also applicable to Liechtenstein17. Albania committed to grant processed agricultural products, 
originating in an EFTA State and listed in Table 1 of  Protocol A, either MFN treatment or, for most 
listed products, duty free treatment, from the entry into  force of the Agreement. Moreover, the Parties 
shall accord, for processed agricultura l products covered by the respectiv e lists contained in Protocol 
A, treatment no less favourable than that accorded to  products originating in the EU (Articles 2 and 3 
of Protocol A).18  The Parties agree to periodically review  the development of trade in processed 
agricultural products and may amend the product c overage and the modalities applicable to price 
compensations (Article 5 of Protocol A). 
19. The liberalization of fish and other marine  products are described in Annex II to the 
Agreement. Table 1 of Annex II provides a list of the fish and marine products19 which, in accordance 
with Article 2 of Annex II, receive immediate dut y free access.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein may 
                                                      
12 1 November 2010 (for Albania, Liechtenstein and Switzerland), 1 August 2011 (for Albania and 
Norway), and 1 October 2011 (for Albania and Iceland). 
13 The Agreement refers to a customs duty as includ ing any duty or charge of any kind imposed in 
connection with the import or export of a product, including any form of surtax or surcharge.  A customs duty 
does not include any charge imposed in conformity with Article III and VIII of the GATT 1994. 
14 In particular in Annex I (Excluded Products); and Annex II (Fish and Other Marine Products), as 
well as in Protocol A (Proce ssed Agricultural Products). 
15 As defined in Protocol A, attached to the Agreement.  Table 1of the Protocol lists the products 
originating in an EFTA State, which are imported into Albania as "agricultural products", and Table 2 of the Protocol lists the products originating in Albania, which are imported into individual EFTA States. 
16 For details, readers may want to refer: for I celand, to http://efta.int/~/media/Documents/legal-
texts/eea/the-eea-agreement/Protocols%20to%20th e%20Agreement/protocol3.a shx ; for Norway, to 
http://efta.int/~/media/Docum ents/legal-texts/eea/the-eea-
agreement/Protocols%20to%20the%20 Agreement/protocol3.ashx; and for Switzerland/Liechtenstein, to 
http://www.efta.int/free-trad e/free-trade-agreements/alb ania/notifications.aspx. 
17 For details, readers may want to refer to http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/c0 _632_401_2.html .  
18 Supporting material on the treatment of processed agricultural products related to Agreements 
concluded by the EFTA States with the EU is availabl e at: http://www.efta.int/free- trade/free-trade-agreements 
/albania/notifications. aspx. For Icel and, Norway, and Liechten stein, Protocol 3 to the Agreement establishing 
the European Economic Area (EEA) would also apply to products originating in Albania. 
19 Table 1 covers the following HS tariff lines: ex 020840*, Chapter 03; 051191; Sub-chapter 1504*; 
ex 151610*;  ex 160300*; Sub-chapter 1604; Sub-chapter 1605; ex 230110*; 230120; ex 230990.  
Note. (*) indicates whale products. WT/REG292/1 
Page 8  
 
  however continue to maintain customs duties on Al banian imports listed in Table 2 of the Annex.
20  
Imports of whale products are banned by Albani a, Liechtenstein and Switzerland under the CITES 
Convention. 
20. For products in of HS Chapters 1-24 covered by the bilateral AAs21, the tariff concessions 
between Albania and individual EFTA States22, are contained in two Annexes attached to each AA.   
The Parties, in their individual AAs affirm th eir desire to work towards achieving greater 
liberalization of their agricultural trade (Article 5 of  each AA).  Articles 3, 4, 9, 11, 12, 20, as well as 
Chapter 7 of the Agreement shall apply, mutatis mutandis , to the AAs. The Parties confirm, in Article 
6 of each AA, their rights and obligations under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture.  
21. Albania has committed to give duty free ac cess to products in Annex 1 of each AA and 
imported from the EFTA States.  
22. Annex 2 of each AA lists products subject to tariff reductions and eliminations for products 
originating in Albania by the individual EFTA States.   
(a) Iceland commits to eliminate duties upon en try into force for the covered products 
imported from Albania. 
(b) Norway commits to eliminate customs duty on the covered products; it also grants 
tariff preferences for some vegetables (on a seasonal basis) and some dairy products (eggs).  
(c) Switzerland, in addition to eliminating cu stoms duty on the cove red products, reduces 
tariffs on 148 HS eight-digit tariff lines relating, inter alia,  to meat; honey; flowers; 
certain vegetables (on a seasonal basis); some fruits (on a seasonal basis);  certain 
foodstuffs (prepared meat); certain mixed,  frozen or dried products; fruit juice; and 
some wines.  Moreover, Switzerland grants WTO-bound tariff rate quotas for some products.
23  
23. The Parties' liberalization commitments are summarized below. 
(a) EFTA States 
24. The tariff elimination under the Agreement and the AAs, of the EFTA States is depicted in 
Tables III.1A to III.1C. 
(ii) Iceland 
25. In 2011, 70.2% of Iceland's tariff lines were already duty-free on an MFN basis, 
corresponding to 11.8% of its total imports from Albania for the period 2008-2010.24  Upon entry into 
force of the Agreement (2011), a further 23.2% of Iceland's tariff schedule was liberalized, accounting 
for an additional 74.7% of Albanian imports becoming duty-free.  The remaining 543 tariff lines 
                                                      
20 Table 2 covers the following HS tariff lines: ex 051191 (feedingstuffs for production animals); 
ex 1504 and ex151610 (fats and oils for human consumption); ex 230110 and ex 230120 (feedingstuffs for 
production animals); and ex 230990 (feedingstuffs for production animals). 
21 Article 6.2 of the Agreement. 
22 The AA between Albania and Switzerland also app lies to Liechtenstein as long as their Customs 
Union Treaty remains in force. 
23 See the section of this factual presentation on Tariff Rate Quota. 
24 In 2011, Iceland's applied MFN tariff was composed of 8,189 tariff lines at the HS 8-digit level,  
7,780 tariff lines were ad valorem, 53 lines were subject to specific duties and 356 to compound duties.  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 9 
 
 
  (6.6% of Iceland's tariff schedule) remain dutiable,  which corresponds to 1.7% of Iceland's imports 
from Albania. 
Table III.1A: Iceland 
Tariff elimination commitments under the Agreement and corresponding average trade 
Duty phase-out 
period Number of lines % of total lines in 
Iceland's tariff 
schedule Value of Iceland's imports 
from Albania 
 (2008-2010) 
in million US$ % of Iceland's total 
imports from  
Albania 
2008-2010 
MFN duty free 
(2011) 5,749 70.2 0.01 11.8 
2011 1,897 23.2 0.07 86.5 
Remain Dutiable 543 6.6 0.00 1.7 
Total 8,189 100.0 0.08 100.0 
 
Note: For the calculation of averages, specific rates are excluded and the ad valorem  part of alternate rates are included. 
 Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature.  
Source :  WTO estimates based on data pr ovided by Iceland and WTO-IDB. 
 
(iii) Norway 
26. In the case of Norway, in 2011, 83.9% of its tariff lines were duty-free on an MFN basis, 
corresponding to 55.6% of imports from Albania for the period 2008-2010.25  Immediately upon the 
entry into force of the Agreement (2011), a furt her 5.4% of Norway's tariff was liberalized, 
accounting for an additional 44.4% of imports from Albania becoming duty-free.  The remaining 
762 tariff lines (10.8% of Norway's tariff schedule) remain dutiable.  These correspond to a negligible 
amount of its imports during 2008-2010 from Albania. 
Table III.1B: Norway 
Tariff elimination commitments under the Agreement and corresponding average trade 
Duty phase-out period Number of 
lines % of total lines in 
Norway's tariff 
schedule Value of Norway's 
imports from Albania 
(2008-2010) 
in million US$ % of Norway's total imports 
from Albania 
2008-2010 
MFN duty free (2011) 5,933 83.9 1.0 55.6 
2011 380 5.4 0.80 44.4 
Remain dutiable 762 10.8   
Total 7,075 100.0 1.80 100.0 
 
Note: Specific duties are excluded in the calculation of averages. 
 
Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. 
 
Source :  WTO estimates based on data pr ovided by Norway and WTO-IDB. 
 
(iv) Switzerland/Liechtenstein 
27. In the case of Switzerland/Liechtenstein, 17.8% of tariff lines were already duty-free on an 
MFN basis in 2010, corresponding to 38.1% of total imports from Albania during 2007-2009.26  On 
entry into force of the Agreement (2010), a further 66.5% of Switzerland's tariff schedule was 
liberalized, accounting for an additional 56.9% of its imports from Albania becoming duty-free.  The 
                                                      
25 In 2011, Norway's tariff was composed of 7,075 tariff lines at the HS 8-digit level, of which 
6,300 lines were subject to ad valorem  duties, 774 lines to specific duties and 1 line to other duties. 
26 In 2010, Switzerland's applied MFN tariff consisted of 8,082 tariff lines at the HS 8-digit level, of 
which 1,428 were ad valorem and 6,640 were subject to sp ecific duties.  References to  Switzerland's tariff lines 
or imports also include those of Liechtenstein. WT/REG292/1 
Page 10  
 
  remaining 1,264 tariff lines (15.6% of Switzerland' s tariff schedule) remain dutiable.  These 
correspond to 5% of Switzerland's average total imports from Albania for the reference period. 
Table III.1C: Switzerland/Liechtenstein 
Tariff elimination commitments under the Agreement and corresponding average trade 
Duty phase-out 
period Number of lines % of total lines in 
Switzerland's tariff 
schedule Value of Switzerland's 
imports from Albania 
 (2007-2009) 
in million US$ % of Switzerland's 
total imports from  
Albania 
2007-2009 
MFN duty free (2010) 1,442 17.8 0.6 38.1 
2010 5,376 66.5 0.9 56.9 
Remain dutiable 1,264 15.6 0.1 5.0 
Total 8,082 100.0 1.6 100.0 
 
Note: Tariff lines subject to in-quota rates at the MFN level are excluded in the calculation. 
 
Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. 
 
Source :  WTO estimates based on data provi ded by Switzerland and WTO-IDB. 
 
(b) Albania 
28. Tables III.1D and III.1E show Albania’s duty elimin ation in terms of tariff lines and trade, as 
applied in 2010, when the Agreement entered into  force with respect to Switzerland/Liechtenstein, 
and in 2011, when the Agreement entered into force w ith respect to Iceland and Norway respectively.   
29. Before the entry into force of the Agreement 39.4% of total tariff lines were duty free on an 
MFN basis for Switzerland/Liechtenstein.27  Following the entry into force of the Agreement, a 
further 54% of Albania’s tariff schedule correspondi ng to 7.1% of its imports in 2007-2009 became 
duty free for imports from Switzerland/Liechtenstein.  
Table III.1D: Albania-Switzerland 
Tariff elimination commitments under the Agreement and corresponding average trade 
Duty phase-out 
period Number of lines % of total lines in 
Albania's tariff schedule Value of Albania's imports 
from Switzerland 
 (2007-2009) 
in million US$ % of Albania's 
total imports from 
Switzerland 
2007-2009 
MFN duty free (2010) 3,719 39.4 143.7 92.8 
2010 5,094 54.0 11.0 7.1 
Remain dutiable 623 6.6 0.2 0.1 
Total 9,436 100.0 154.9 100.0 
 
Note: Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. 
 
Source :  WTO estimates based on data pr ovided by Albania and WTO-IDB. 
 
30. 6.6% of the total number of Albania's tariff lines remained dutiable upon full implementation 
of the Agreement for Switzerland/Liechtenstein (2 010); representing 0.2% of  the total value of 
imports from Switzerland/Liechtenstein in 2007-2009. 
31. In the case of Iceland and Norway, before the entry into for ce of the Agreement28, 47.2% of 
Albania's total tariff lines corresponding respectivel y to 99.4% and 84.7% of imports from Iceland 
                                                      
27 2010 figures to correspond with the date of entry into force of the Agreement for 
Switzerland/Liechtenstein. 
28 2011 figures to correspond with the date of en try into force of the Ag reement for Iceland and 
Norway.  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 11 
 
 
  and Norway in 2008-2010 were duty free on an MFN basis.29  Following the entry into force of the 
Agreement, a further 46.1% of Albania's tariff schedule corresponding to 0.3% and 12.9% of imports from Iceland and Norway became duty free.   
Table III.1E:  Albania-Iceland & Albania-Norway 
Tariff elimination commitments under the Agreement and corresponding average trade 
Duty phase-out 
period Number 
of lines % of total lines 
in Albania's 
tariff schedule Albania's imports (2008-2010) from 
Iceland Norway 
Value in 
million US$ % of total imports Value in million 
US$ % of total 
imports 
MFN duty free (2011) 4,385 47.2 0.50 94.4 2.03 84.7 
2011 4,283 46.1 0.00 0.3 0.31 12.9 
Remain dutiable 619 6.7 0.03 5.3 0.06 2.4 
Total 9,287 100.0 0.53 100.0 2.40 100.0 
 
Note: excludes data beyond HS Chapter 97. 
 Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature.  
Source:  WTO estimates based on data pr ovided by Albania and WTO-IDB. 
 
32. 6.7% of the total number of Albania's tariff lines remained dutiable upon full implementation 
of the Agreement for Iceland and Norway (2011) re presenting respectively 5.3% and 2.4% of the total 
value of Albania's imports from Iceland and Norway. 
3. Liberalization schedules 
(a) EFTA States  
(i) Iceland 
33. Table III.2 and Chart III.1 shows Iceland's trade liberalization commitments under the 
Agreement organized by product categories according to HS Section and HS Chapter.  Of the 8,189 tariff lines forming Iceland's tariff schedule, 5,749 lines were already duty-free on an MFN basis prior to entry into force of the Agreement in  2011.  The additional 1'897 lines liberalized by the 
Agreement can be found in most HS sections, with  the exception of Live animals and Animal or 
vegetable fats and oils.  The remaining 543 tariff lin es not subject to duty elimination are agricultural 
products falling under HS Sections I to IV.  The average tariff (only ad valorem components) on 
excluded lines ranges from 24.6% for prepared foods  to 35% for vegetable products.  For most 
concerned products, the average preferential duty is id entical to the average MFN duty, indicating that 
concessions on a small number of tariff lines, wh ich remain dutiable, were made under the 
Agreement.  This is particularly the case for produc ts of HS Chapters 4, 15 and 21 where the average 
preferential tariff is lower than the average MFN tariff on remaining dutiable products.   
Table III.2 
Iceland: Tariff elimination unde r the Agreement, by HS section 
HS section and 
description  MFN 
average%  Total No of 
lines  MFN 2011  
(duty-free)  Number of 
duty-free lines Remain 
Dutiable  Avg. Final 
Tariff  
(Dutiable)  2011 
I 8.2 664 482  182 29.8 
II 13.4 413 249 22 142 35.0 
III 0.0 101 97  4 - 
IV 9.5 1,042 553 274 215 24.6 
V 0.0 178 177 1   
VI 1.2 970 816 154   
VII 2.4 368 240 128   
Table III.2 (Cont'd)
                                                      
29 In 2011, Albania's applied MFN tariff consisted of 9,287 lines at the HS 8-digit level, all of them 
subject to ad valorem rates of duty. WT/REG292/1 
Page 12  
 
  HS section and 
description  MFN 
average%  Total No of 
lines  MFN 2011  
(duty-free)  Number of 
duty-free lines Remain 
Dutiable  Avg. Final 
Tariff  
(Dutiable)  2011 
VIII 5.4 123 25 98   
IX 1.9 216 156 60   
X 2.1 189 138 51   
XI 5.1 904 552 352   
XII 12.5 73 7 66   
XIII 3.5 192 110 82   
XIV 3.0 61 43 18   
XV 1.2 688 586 102   
XVI 2.1 1,098 829 269   
XVII 0.7 466 431 35   
XVIII 0.1 233 230 3   
XIX 6.1 26 6 20   
XX 8.8 177 16 161   
XXI 1.4 7 6 1   
Total 4.4 8,189 5,749 1,897 543 29.5 
 
- contain specific duties only.  
Note: For the calculation of averages, specific rates are excluded and the ad valorem  part of alternate rates are included. 
Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. 
 
Source :  WTO estimates based on the data provided by Iceland. 
 
 
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60020406071011121516171819202122Chart III.1
Iceland:  Average of dutiable rates, by HS Chapter
HS Chapter  
* HS chapter 15 contains specific duties only.
Source : WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by Iceland.Average rate of duty (%)
MFN Preferential
 
 
 
(ii) Norway 
34. Table III.3 and Chart III.2 show Norway's trade liberalization commitments under the 
Agreement organized respectively by product categor ies according to HS Section and HS Chapter. 
Table III.4 shows that of the 7,075 lines forming No rway's tariff schedule, 5,933 were duty-free on an 
MFN basis in 2011.  Of the additional 380 lines libera lized by the Agreement, the majority are textiles 
and textile products and the remainder are agricu ltural goods.  The remaining 762 tariff lines not 
subject to duty elimination are mostly agricultural products falling under HS Sections I to IV and in 
HS Chapter VI (chemicals).  Th e average tariff (only ad valore m components) on excluded lines 
ranges from 70.4% for prepared foods to 416.5% for live animals and animal products.  This  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 13 
 
 
  corresponds to average preferential tariffs ranging from 3% for Chapter 13 up to 479% for Chapter 1, 
with especially high tariffs in Chapters 35 (337.1%), 12 (288%) and 4 (229%).  For most concerned products, the average preferential duty is identical to the average MFN duty, indicating that concessions on a small number of tariff lines, wh ich remain dutiable, were made under the 
Agreement.  This is particularly the case for produc ts of HS Chapters 4, 15 and 21 where the average 
preferential tariff is lower than the average MFN tariff on remaining dutiable products.  For certain 
agricultural goods of Chapter 7, concessions  take the form of seasonal restrictions. 
Table III.3 
Norway: Tariff elimination under th e Agreement, by HS section  
HS section and 
description  MFN 
average%  Total No of 
lines  MFN 2011  Number of 
duty-free lines Remain 
dutiable  Avg. Final 
Tariff a
 
(Dutiable) 2011 
I 8.0  448 263 7 178 416.5 
II 22.1 536 216 55 265 128.2 
III 5.8  122 49 5 68 14.1 
IV 2.8  442 163 47 232 70.4 
V 0.0  191 191    
VI 1.1  959 940  19 337.1 
VII 0.0  303 303    
VIII 0.0  90 90    
IX 0.0  173 173    
X 0.0  175 175    
XI 2.8  939 673 266   
XII 0.0  64 64    
XIII 0.0  181 181    
XIV 0.0  54 54    
XV 0.0  665 665    
XVI 0.0  1,027 1,027    
XVII 0.0  215 215    
XVIII 0.0  273 273    
XIX 0.0  26 26    
XX 0.0  185 185    
XXI 0.0  7 7    
Total 2.0 7,075 5,933 380 762 106.0 
 
a:  Contains ad valorem  and specific duties 
Note: Specific duties are excluded in the calculation of averages. 
Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. 
 
Source : WTO estimates based on da ta provided by Norway. 
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 40001*0204*050607*08*10*1112131516*17*18*19*2021*222335*38Chart III.2
Norway:  Average of dutiable rates, by HS Chapter
HS Chapter  
* HS chapters 2; 5; 8; 10-11; 17-20; 22 and 38 contain specific duties only.
Source : WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by Norway.Average rate of duty (%)
MFN Preferential
 WT/REG292/1 
Page 14  
 
  (iii) Switzerland/Liechtenstein 
35. Given that most of Switzerland's tariff is composed of specific duties and no ad valorem  
equivalents were available to the Secretariat, the average tariff on excluded lines cannot be calculated.  
Likewise, a comparison with average MFN duties by  HS Chapter and HS Section for those lines 
which remain dutiable under the Agreement cannot be made.  
36. Table III.4 shows Switzerland's trade libera lization commitments under the Agreement, 
organized by product categories according to HS Section.  Of the 8,082 tariff lines forming 
Switzerland's tariff schedule, 1,442 were already duty-free on an MFN basis in 2010.  The 5,376 tariff lines subject to full liberalization in 2010 fall under all HS Sections.  The remaining 1,264 tariff lines 
not subject to duty elimination are in HS Sections I to IV and VI.   
Table III.4 
Switzerland:  Tariff elimination under the Agreement, by HS section  
HS section and 
description  MFN 
average%  Total No of 
lines  MFN 2010  Number of duty-
free lines Remain 
dutiable  Avg. Final Tariff  
(Dutiable)  2010 
I ..  337 123 28 186 .. 
II ..  948 172 155 621 ..
III ..  189 40 77 72 ..
IV ..  595 95 124 376 ..
V ..  182 119 63   
VI ..  1,015 409 597 9 ..
VII ..  241 30 211   
VIII ..  74 15 59   
IX ..  130 14 116   
X ..  181 24 157   
XI ..  1,094 34 1,060   
XII ..  61  61   
XIII ..  160 2 158   
XIV ..  61 7 54   
XV ..  913 39 874   
XVI ..  1,234 204 1,030   
XVII ..  196 18 178   
XVIII ..  257 55 202   
XIX ..  28  28   
XX ..  176 34 142   
XXI ..  10 8 2   
Total .. 8,082 1,442 5,376 1,264 .. 
 
.. Not available: the majority of Switzerland's tariff is subject to specific duties for which ad valorem  equivalents are not available. 
 Note: Calculation excludes specific and products subject to in-quota duties at the MFN level. 
Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. 
 
Source :  WTO estimates based on data  provided by Switzerland. 
 
(b) Albania 
37. The following Tables and Charts depict Albania' s duties elimination under the Agreement, as 
well as remaining dutiable duties.  
38. In general, the pattern of liberalization is simi lar for all EFTA States with slight variations:  
5,094 tariff lines became duty free for imports from Switzerland/Liechtenstein (in 2010) (Table III.5), 
and 4,283 tariff lines became duty free for imports fr om Iceland and Norway (in 2011) (Table III.6). 
The tariff lines subject to duty elimination include a ll categories except Section X (pulp, paper, etc.)  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 15 
 
 
  and Section XXI (works of art).  Preferential du ties remain in HS Sections I-IV with average 
preferential tariffs ranging from 9.8% to 14.5% for imports from Switzerland and Liechtenstein and 
from 9.7% to 14.5% for imports from Norway and Iceland. 
Table III.5 
Albania:  Tariff elimination under the Agreem ent, by HS section (Albania-Switzerland) 
HS section and 
description  MFN 
average%  Total No of 
lines  MFN 2010  Number of 
duty-free lines  
in 2010  Remain 
dutiable  Avg. Final 
Tariff 
(Dutiable)  
I 5.5 787 326 183 278 10.2 
II 8.3 526 26 440 60 9.8 
III 2.2 124 91 30 3 10.0 
IV 10.1 808 136 390 282 14.5 
V 4.5 234 29 205   
VI 1.5 1,170 572 598   
VII 5.9 300 25 275   
VIII 8.8 150  150   
IX 1.5 216 178 38   
X 0.0 210 210    
XI 9.7 1,170  1,170   
XII 12.5 110  110   
XIII 10.3 257 2 255   
XIV 6.1 63  63   
XV 3.5 1,003 681 322   
XVI 1.5 1,432 1,101 331   
XVII 2.9 286 118 168   
XVIII 3.8 339 146 193   
XIX 15.0 27  27   
XX 9.4 217 71 146   
XXI 0.0 7 7    
Total 5.2 9,436 3,719 5,094 623 12.1 
 
Note: Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. 
 
Source : WTO estimates based on da ta provided by Albania. 
 
Table III.6 
Albania: Tariff elimination under the Agreement, by  HS section (Albania-Iceland & Albania-Norway) 
HS section and 
description  MFN 
average%  Total No of 
lines  MFN 2011  Number  of 
duty-free lines  
2011Remain 
dutiable  Avg. Final 
Tariff 
(Dutiable)
I 5.4 787 326 183 278 10.2 
II 8.2 526 26 444 56 9.7 
III 2.2 124 91 30 3 10.0 
IV 10.1 808 136 390 282 14.5 
V 4.5 234 29 205   
VI 1.3 1,168 567 601   
VII 6.1 301 37 264   
VIII 6.9 147 24 123   
IX 1.3 215 180 35   
X 0.0 209 209    
XI 3.2 1,169 660 509   
XII 11.7 109 9 100   
XIII 9.8 239 3 236   
XIV 5.5 56  56   
XV 3.4 980 673 307   
XVI 1.3 1,381 1,084 297   
XVII 3.0 273 108 165   
XVIII 3.8 328 144 184   
XIX 15.0 24  24   
XX 9.0 202 72 130   
XXI 0.0 7 7    
Total 4.3 9,287 4,385 4,283 619 12.1 
 
Note: excludes data beyond HS Chapter 97.  
 Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature.  
Source : WTO estimates based on da ta provided by Albania. WT/REG292/1 
Page 16  
 
  39. Charts III.3 and III.4 compare, following the preferential elimination of customs duties, 
Albania's average dutiable rates with the MFN aver age rates, by HS Chapter.  The situation is 
presented both for 2010 and for 2011, as the date of entry into force of the Agreement differs for Switzerland/Liechtenstein and for Iceland and Norway .  In general in the HS Chapters where duties 
remain, the preferential duties mirror the corres ponding MFN rates, indicating that no preferential 
liberalization of these lines has taken place with th e exception of below-MFN preferences granted to 
Switzerland/Liechtenstein for certain products of  Chapter 9 (Coffee, Tea, Mate & Spices).  
0 5 10 15 20010204060708091011121516192021222324Chart III.3
Albania:  Average of dutiable rates, by HS Chapter (Albania-Switzerland) 
2010
HS Chapter  
Average rate of duty (%)
Source :  WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by Albania.MFN Preferential
 
 
0 5 10 15 20010204060708091011121516192021222324Chart III.4
Albania:  Average of dutiable rates, by HS Chapter 
(Albania-Iceland ; Albania-Norway) - 2011
HS Chapter  
Average rate of duty (%)
MFN=Preferential
Source :  WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by Albania.  
  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 17 
 
 
  4. Tariff rate quotas 
40. Under Annex 2 of the AA between Albania and Switzerland,  Switzerland grants preferential 
tariff rate quotas for imports from Albania "within  the limits of [MFN] tariff quota[s]" bound by 
Switzerland in its WTO Schedule of Tariff Concessi ons (List LIX).  In addition, for Olive Oil 
(HS 1509.1091 and 1509.1099) originating in Alba nia, Switzerland opened two specific bilateral 
TRQs (with duty free in quota tariff, for up to 500 tonnes per year).  TRQ commitments are 
implemented immediately upon entry into force of the Agreement. Annex II below summarizes 
Switzerland's TRQ concessions granted to Albania. 
5. Import restrictions 
41. The Agreement confirms that the Parties' rights and obligations in respect of import 
restrictions are governed by Article XI of the GATT 1994, which is incorporated into and made part 
of the Agreement (Article 9).  
B. RULES OF ORIGIN  
42. Disciplines relating to rules of origin and custom s procedures are set out in Protocol B of the 
Agreement, with product specific rules cove red in Appendixes I and II of Protocol B.30  Article 1 of 
the Protocol contains a number of definitions for the purpose of the Protocol B. It, inter alia , defines 
"customs value" in accordance with  the WTO Agreement on the implementation of Article VII of the 
GATT.  
43. Articles 2 to 11 of Protocol B define "origina ting products" in an EFTA State or Albania as 
products wholly obtained31 in an EFTA State or Albania or as products obtained in an EFTA State or 
Albania incorporating materials which have not b een wholly obtained there, provided that such 
materials have undergone sufficient working or processing in an EFTA State or in Albania.  In 
addition, goods originating in the European Economic  Area (EEA), within the meaning of Protocol 4 
to the Agreement on the European Economic Area32, are also to be considered as originating in an 
EFTA State, for the purpose of the Agreement.  Moreover, and provided the working or processing 
carried out in an EFTA State or in Albania go es beyond operations defined by the Agreement as 
insufficient working or processing33, products shall be considered as originating in an EFTA State or 
in Albania if such products are obtained there, inco rporating materials originating in Iceland, Norway, 
Switzerland/Liechtenstein, Turkey, the EU, Albania,  any other country participating in the EU's 
Stabilisation and Association Process34, the Faroe Islands, or in any co untry which is a participant in 
                                                      
30 Article 3 of each bilateral AA states  "the rule s of origin and the provisions on cooperation in 
customs matters set out in Protocol B to the Agreement shall apply to the bilateral Agreement on Agriculture , 
except as provided for in paragraph 2 of the AA ".  Paragraph 2 of each AA refers to the Annex of the Parties' 
bilateral tariff concessions. 
31 "Wholly obtained products" in Albania or in an EFTA State cover, inter alia , mineral products 
extracted from the Parties' soil or fr om their seabed; vegetable products ha rvested there; live animals born and 
raised there; products from live anim als raised there; products obtained by  hunting or fishing conducted there; 
products of sea fishing and other products taken from the sea outside the territorial waters of the Parties by their 
vessels; products made aboard their factory ships exclusively from products of sea fishing;  used articles collected there fit only for the recovery of raw materials, including used tyres fit only for retreating or for use as 
waste; waste and scrap resulting from manufacturing operations conducted there; products extracted from 
marine soil or subsoil outside the Parties' territorial waters provided that they have sole rights to work that soil 
or subsoil; and goods produced there exclusively from certain products considered as wholly obtained. 
32 This text can be found at http://www.efta.int/le gal-texts/eea/protocols-to-the-agreement.aspx . 
33 Insufficient working or processing is defined by Article 7 of the Protocol. 
34 As defined in the conclusions of the (EU) General Affairs Council in April 1997 and the European 
Commission of 19 May 1999 on the establishment of th e Stabilisation and Association process with Western WT/REG292/1 
Page 18  
 
  the euro-Mediterranean partnership
35 (Articles 3 and 4 of the Protocol).  The products originating in 
one of these countries, which do not undergo any working or processing in an EFTA State or in 
Albania, retain their origin if exported to one  of these countries. The cumulation provided for in 
Articles 3 and 4 of the Protocol may only be applied provided that (i) a preferential trade agreement in 
accordance with Article XXIV of the GATT 1994 is a pplicable between the countries involved in the 
acquisition of the originating status and the country of destination; (ii) materials and products have 
acquired originating status by application of rules of origin identical to those in Protocol B and; (iii) 
notices indicating the fulfilment of the necessary requirements to apply cumulation have been published in the Parties.  The cumulation provided for by the Protocol applies from the date agreed by 
the parties concerned and indicated in the notice pu blished in their respective official gazettes. The 
Parties shall provide each other, through the EFTA  Secretariat, the details of the agreements, 
including their dates of entry into  force and their rules of origin
36.  
44. Products not qualifying as wholly obtained are considered to be sufficiently worked or 
processed to qualify as originating, when the conditions set out in Appendix 2 to the Protocol37, are 
fulfilled. Appendix 2 sets out, for products covered by the Agreem ent, the working or processing 
which must be carried out on non-originating ma terials used in manufacturing and apply only in 
relation to such materials. If a product that ha s acquired originating status by fulfilling these 
conditions is used in the manufacture of another pr oduct, the conditions applicable to the product in 
which it is incorporated do not apply to it, and no account shall be taken of the non-originating 
materials which may have been used in its manufacture.38  Such non-originating materials may 
nevertheless be used in the manufacture of a produc t provided that (i) their total value does not exceed 
10% of the ex-works price39 of the product, and (ii) any of the maximum values in Appendix 2 for 
non-originating materials are not exceeded through the application of the specific rules applicable to 
sufficiently worked or processed products (Article 6 of the Protocol). 
45. The basic approach followed in Appendix 2, fo r all covered HS Chapters, is that a good is 
considered originating if a non-originating material  used in its production  undergoes a change in 
HS tariff classification (CTC), either within the same  Chapter or from a specific Chapter, heading, or 
sub-heading to another (as specified in the Appendix).  
46. The CTC requirement is often supplemented by e ither an alternative criterion or an additional 
requirement, which either establishes a specific manu facturing operation, which confers originating 
status, or establishes the maximum value of non-orig inating materials allowed in the final product.  
Specific origin-conferring manufacturing operations are a pplicable (as an alternative to the CTC or as 
an additional requirement), inter alia , for a number of products or categories of products.40  In 
                                                                                                                                                                     
Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former  Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 
Montenegro, Serbia, and the United Nations Interim Mission in Kosovo). 
35 Appendix 5 to Protocol B lists the following countries as participating in the euro-Mediterranean 
partnership based on the Barcelona Declaration: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, PLO for the 
benefit of the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey. 
36 For more information, see the Synoptic table on Euro-med contained in 
http://www.ezv.admin.ch/zollinfo_firmen/abfe rtigungshilfen/00372/index.html?lang=eng.  
37 Appendix 2 must be read in conjunction with Appendix 1 to Protocol B, which contains introductory 
notes to the list contained in Appendix 2. 
38 This tolerance does not apply to products falling within HS Chapters 50 to 63. 
39 "ex-works price" means the price pa id for the product ex works to th e manufacturer in Albania or an 
EFTA State in whose undertaking the last working or processing is carried out, provided that the price includes 
the value of all the materials used, minus any internal taxes which are, or may be, repaid when the product 
obtained is exported. 
40 These products are contained in HS  Chapters 11, 25, 27, 29, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 50, 51, 52, 53, 
54, 55, 58, 59, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 78, 84, and 85.  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 19 
 
 
  addition, certain applicable "specific processes", c onferring originating status, are further described 
under Note 7 of Appendix 1 to Protocol B (Introductory Notes to List I Appendix 2). 
47. The maximum value of non-originating materials, which is also used as an alternative origin 
conferring criteria, is generally expressed as a percen tage of the transaction va lue or of the ex-works 
price of the product.41  The value-added rule is applicable, inter alia , for a large number of products 
and categories of products.42  In certain cases, the maximum value added permitted may differ for a 
change of classification within the same heading, an d for all the materials used for the production of a 
given product.  In such cases, the exporter may apply e ither rule.  This option is applicable for certain 
products or groups of products.43 
48. A tolerance or de minimis  rule applies to a number of textile products as well as some 
footwear products44 and allows the use of non-originating ma terials, which would otherwise not be 
accepted in the production of an originating product,  provided that their total value does not exceed 
10% (for certain products 8%) of the transac tion value or ex-works price of the product.45 
49. Protocol B moreover contains provisions on the unit of qualification for the application of the 
Protocol's provisions (Article 8 of Protocol B) , Accessories, Spare Parts and Tools (Article 9 of 
Protocol B), Sets (Article 10 of Protocol B), a nd Neutral Elements - such as energy and fuel, and 
machines and tools (Article 11 of Protocol  B). Territorial requirements' regulations46 are also covered 
in Articles 12 through 14 of the Protocol.  
50. Non-originating materials used in the manufacture of products originating in Albania, in an 
EFTA State or in the other countries covered by th e cumulation provisions shall not be subject in 
Albania or in an EFTA State to drawback of, or exemption from, customs duties of whatever kind 
(Article 15 of Protocol B). 
51. Products benefit from the Agre ement upon submission of a proof of origin, which can be 
either a movement certificate EUR.147, a movement certificate EUR-MED48, or in certain specified 
cases, a declaration subsequently referred to as th e "invoice declaration" or the "invoice declaration 
EUR-MED", a delivery note or any other comme rcial document which describes the products 
concerned in sufficient details to  enable them to be identified49 (Article 16 of Protocol B). Procedures 
related to the issuance of the above-mentioned proof  of origin and related-modalities are detailed in 
Articles 17 through 31 of Protocol B. 
52. Protocol B furthermore covers arrangements fo r administrative cooperation, including dispute 
settlement and Penalties (see below). 
53. A Sub-Committee on Rules of Origin, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation is also 
established under Article 14 of the Agreement.  Th e sub-committee's mandate is further defined in 
Annex IV of the Agreement.  
                                                      
41 In a limited number of cases, it is however expressed in percentage of a volume (for certain liquids), 
or in percentage of a weight (for certain tobacco products). 
42 These products are contained in HS Chapters 4, 6, 8, 10, 13, 17, 18, 19,  21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28- 41, 
48-50, 57-59, 62, 63, 66, 70, 71, 73-76, and 78-96. 
43 These products are contained in HS Chapters 28-39, 84-87, 90, 91, and 94 
44 These products are contained in part of HS Ch apters 50-63, as well as Chapters 30 and 65. 
45 See Notes 5 and 6 in Appendix 1 to Protocol B. 
46 Covering: Principle of Territoriality, Direct Transport, and Exhibitions. 
47 A specimen appears in Appendix 3a, attached to Protocol B. 
48 A specimen appears in Appendix 3b, attached to Protocol B. 
49 The texts of the invoice declaration appear in Appendices 4a and 4b, attached to Protocol B. WT/REG292/1 
Page 20  
 
  C. E
XPORT DUTIES AND CHARGES , AND QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS  
54. The Agreement establishes that the Parties' rights and obligations in respect of export 
restrictions are governed by Article XI of the GATT 1994, which is incorporated into and made part 
of the Agreement (Article 9).  
D. REGULATORY PROVISION S ON TRADE IN GOODS  
1. Standards 
(a) Sanitary and phytosanitary measures 
55. Article 11 provides that the Parties’ rights a nd obligations with respect to sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures are governed  by the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures.  Contact points are establis hed to facilitate communication and exchange of 
information. 
(b) Technical barriers to trade 
56. The Agreement reaffirms the Parties' ex isting rights and obligations under the WTO 
Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) with  respect to technical regulations, standards and 
conformity assessment and aims to strengthen th eir cooperation in these fields (Article 12).  
1. Safeguard mechanisms 
(a) Global safeguards 
57. The Agreement confirms the Parties' right s and obligations under Article XIX of the 
GATT 1994 and the WTO Agreement on Safeguar ds.  In taking measures under these WTO 
provisions, a Party shall exclude imports of an origin ating product from one or several parties if such 
imports do not in and of themselves cause or threaten to cause serious injury. The Party taking global 
(general) safeguard measures must demonstrate th at such exclusion is "in accordance with WTO 
jurisprudence" (Article 19). 
(b) Bilateral safeguards 
58. Under Article 20, if, as the result of a reduction or elimination of a customs duty under the 
Agreement, a product originating in a Party is impor ted by another Party in such increased quantities, 
in absolute terms or relative to domestic production, and under su ch conditions as to constitute a 
substantial cause or threat of serious injury to a domestic industry of similar or directly competitive 
products, the importing Party may take bilateral safeg uard measures to the minimum extent necessary 
to remedy or prevent the injury subject to procedures in Article 20.2-10. 
59. The importing Party intending to take a bila teral safeguard measure shall immediately50 notify 
the other Parties and the Joint Committee (see IV be low).  The notification shall include all pertinent 
information, including clear evid ence that increased imports have cau sed, or are threatening to cause, 
serious injury.  The investigation is to be carri ed out in accordance with the procedures in the WTO 
Agreement on Safeguards.  The importing Party shall al so offer compensation to the Party that may be 
affected by the action. Within 30 days of having received the notification about the intended measure, 
the Joint Committee shall facilitate a mutually acceptabl e resolution to the matter.   If no resolution is 
found, the importing Party may take emergency acti on and, in the absence of mutually agreed 
                                                      
50 In any case before taking the measure.  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 21 
 
 
  compensation, the Party against whose products th e action is taken may take compensatory action.  
Both must immediately notify these actions to the other Parties and the Joint Committee.  
60. The emergency action may take the form of an increased rate of import duty to a level that 
does not exceed the MFN duty applied when the saf eguard is taken, or on the day immediately 
preceding the date of entry into force of the Agre ement.  Emergency measures cannot be imposed for 
more than one year51 and must not be applied to products that have already been subject to such an 
action.  Upon termination of the measure, the dut y rate will become that which it would have been 
without the measure.  The compensatory action sh all normally consist of suspension of concessions 
that have substantially equivalent trade effects or concessions substantially equi valent to the value of 
the additional duties expected to result from the sa feguard measure.  It shall be applied only for the 
minimum period necessary to achieve the substantially equivalent trade effects.  Both the bilateral 
safeguard measure and compensatory actions must  be established with a view to minimizing 
disturbance to the functioning of the Agreement. 
61. In critical circumstances, a Party may take a provisional safeguard measure, pursuant to a 
preliminary determination of clear evidence that increased imports constitute a substantial cause of 
serious injury, or a threat thereof, to the domestic industry.  Provisional measures shall be terminated 
within 200 days at the latest.  Any tariff increase sh all be promptly refunded if the investigation does 
not result in a finding that the necessary conditions are fulfilled.  
62. Five years after the entry into force of the Ag reement (2016), the Parties shall review whether 
there is a need to maintain the possibilit y to take bilateral safeguard measures. 
(c) Restrictions to safeguard the balance of payments 
63. Article 29 confirms the Parties’ rights and oblig ations within the framework of the GATT and 
in Articles VIII and XIV of the Statutes of the IM F.  A Party making use of such possibility shall 
inform the other Parties immediately and provide as soon as possible a timetable for the removal of 
BOP-related restrictive measures. 
3. Anti-dumping, countervailing measures, and subsidies 
64. Article 17 states that the Parties shall not apply anti-dumping measures as provided for under 
Article VI of the GATT 1994 and the WTO Agreemen t on Implementation of Ar ticle VI of the GATT 
1994 in relation to products originating in another Pa rty. The Parties also recognise that the effective 
implementation of competition rules may addr ess economic causes leading to dumping. 
65. Disciplines on subsidies and countervailing measu res are contained in Article 16, under which 
the Parties' rights and obligations are governed  by GATT 1994 Articles VI and XVI and the WTO 
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (S CM).  The Parties considering initiating an 
investigation should notify the Party whose goods are subject to an investigation in writing.  Unlike 
Article 9.2 of the WTO Agreement on SCM, where th ere is no time limit within which consultations 
should be conducted, there is a 45 day period for co nsultations to find a mutually acceptable solution 
under the Agreement.  The consulta tions take place in the Joint Committee (see IV below) if a Party 
so requests. 
                                                      
51 This period may, in very exceptional circumstan ces, and after review by the Joint Committee, be 
taken up to a total maximum period of three years. WT/REG292/1 
Page 22  
 
  4. State trading enterprises 
66. The Agreement establishes that the Parties' right s and obligations in respect of state trading 
enterprises are governed by Article XVII of the GATT 1994 and the Understanding on the 
Interpretation of Article XVII of the GATT 1994, whic h are incorporated into and made part of the 
Agreement (Article 15).  
5. Customs-related procedures and trade facilitation 
67. Arrangements for Administrative cooperation, par ticularly related to the administration of 
rules of origin, can be found in Article 7, where the Parties agree to consider favourably requests for 
negotiations aiming at concluding bilateral Agreements on Mutual Administrative Assistance in 
Customs matters, and in Articles 32 to 36 of Protoc ol B to the Agreement.  Specific provisions of 
Protocol B detailing the administrative disciplines regarding proof of origin (Articles 16 to 31 of 
Protocol B
52), which takes the form of an origin decl aration are complemented by arrangements for 
administrative cooperation between the Parties’ cust oms authorities, in particular with respect to 
mutual assistance (Article 32 of Protocol B), the verification of proofs of origin (Article 33 of Protocol B), dispute settlement
53 (Article 34 of Protocol B), penalti es (Article 35 of Protocol B), and 
Free Zones (Article 36 of Protocol B). 
68. Annex III of the Agreement provides a trade fac ilitation framework for the Parties to simplify 
procedures for trade in goods and related services,  and to promote cooperation to enhance their 
participation in the development and implem entation of international conventions and 
recommendations on trade facilitation (objectives c ontained in Article 13 of the Agreement).  
Annex III contains, inter alia , rules and the Parties' commitments on Transparency (Article 2 of 
Annex III);  co-operation with a view to promote international standards54 and to ensure consistency 
with multilateral instruments (Article 3 of Annex III);   simplification of international trade procedures 
through, for example, the best possible use of information technology and the use of high standards of public service (Article 5 of Annex III); and Go vernment controls based on risk management 
(Article 6  of Annex III).  The Parties shall also be  able to issue, if requested, written advance rulings 
containing all necessary information with regard to tariff classification of a product, the applied duty 
rate, or, where appropriate, the way the applied dut y rate for a product is cal culated. Written advance 
rulings on the originating status of a product are also foreseen (Article 4 of Annex III).  The 
possibility shall be afforded to a Party to negotia te mutual recognition of authorisation and security 
measures, drawing on relevant intern ational standards and practices (Ar ticle 7 of Annex III).  Article 8 
of Annex III contains a best endeavour commitme nt by Parties to develop customs systems or 
procedures enabling exporters and importers to submit their customs declaration without being 
obliged to turn to customs broke rs. Annex III also contains disciplines and clarifications on fees and 
charges and consular transactions (Article 9 and 10 of Annex III), the right of  importers, exporters and 
producers to administrative or judicial appeal (Ar ticle 11 of Annex III), and the confidential treatment 
by the Parties of information covered by professional secrecy (Article 12 of Annex III).  
69. A Sub-Committee on Rules of Origin, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation is 
established under Article 14 of the Agreement (see IV below).   
                                                      
52 See the details in the above section addressing rules of origin. 
53 When dispute arise in relation to the verificati on procedures which cannot be settled between the 
customs authorities, or which raise questions as to the inte rpretation of Protocol B, the matter shall be referred to 
the Joint Committee. 
54 In particular the standards and recommended practices of the World Customs Organization, 
including the principles of the revised International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of 
Customs Procedures (Revised Kyoto Convention).  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 23 
 
 
  E. SECTOR -SPECIFIC PROVISIONS ON TRADE IN GOODS  
70. The Special modalities applicable to process ed agricultural products, marine and fish 
products, as well as the disciplines contained in the th ree bilateral Agreements on agriculture have 
been described above in the context of the presenta tion of the liberalization of trade and tariff lines 
(Chapter III.A.2 of this factual presentation).  
IV. GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT 
A. TRANSPARENCY  
71. The Agreement incorporates transparency provi sions which provide, under Article 5, that 
laws, regulations, juridical decisions, administrativ e rulings of general app lication and the Parties 
international agreements that may affect the operati on of this Agreement must be either published or 
made publicly available. The Parties shall promp tly respond to specific questions and provide, upon 
request, information to each other on these matters . Transparency provisions contained in WTO 
disciplines which are directly referred to and/or in corporated into and made part of the Agreement55 
are, as a consequence, also applicable to the Par ties. Moreover, provisions in the Agreement dealing 
specifically with bilateral safeguards, government  procurement, trade facilitation, and processed 
agricultural products also contain transparency obligations. 
B. CURRENT PAYMENTS AND CAPITAL MOVEMENTS  
72. Chapter 5 of the Agreement permits the Parties to allow all payments for current transactions 
to be made in a freely convertible currency (Article 27).  It is also understood that the right of an 
investor to freely transfer amounts in relation to his investment is without prejudice to any fiscal 
obligation such an investor may have (Article 30).  The Parties also undertake to ensure that capital 
for investments made in companies established in  accordance with their laws, as well as any returns 
stemming therefrom, and the amounts resulting from liquidations of investments are freely 
transferable (Article 28). In that context, the Ag reement foresees the holding of consultations between 
the Parties with a view to facilitating the moveme nt of capital between them and to completely 
liberalizing the movement of capital as soon as conditions permit.  
C. EXCEPTIONS  
73. The Parties' rights and obligations in resp ect of general exceptions are governed by 
Article XX of the GATT 1994 (Article 21) and in r espect of security exceptions by Article XXI of the 
GATT 1944 (Article 22). Both Articles are incorpor ated into and made part of the Agreement.  
D. ACCESSION AND WITHDRAWAL  
74. Any State, becoming a member of the EFTA, may accede to the Agreement, subject to 
approval by the Joint Committee and on terms and conditions to be agreed upon by the Parties 
(Article 40.1). Each Party may withdraw from the Agreement within six months of providing written 
notification to the Depositary (Norway). If Albania withdraws, the Agreement ceases to exist on the 
date of withdrawal (Article 40.2).  If an EFTA State withdraws from the Convention establishing the 
EFTA, it ceases, on the same day, to be a Party to the Agreement (Article 40.3).  
                                                      
55 For example, Articles XI, VI, VIII, XIV, XVI, XIX, XX, XI of the GATT 1994, the WTO 
Agreements on SCM, Antidumping, Safeguards, SPS, TB T, as well as the GATS and the TRIPS Agreement.  WT/REG292/1 
Page 24  
 
  E. G
OVERNMENT PROCUREMENT  
75. Article 20 reaffirms the Parties' rights and obl igations with respect to public procurement 
under the WTO Agreement on Government Procurem ent (GPA).  The Parties shall enhance their 
mutual understanding of their gove rnment procurement laws and regulations with a view to 
progressively liberalizing their respective procuremen t markets on the basis of non-discrimination and 
reciprocity (Article 26.1).  Following entry into fo rce of the Agreement, should a party subsequently 
enter into a separate international agreement that  provides greater transparency or access to the 
procurement market than the provision of the GPA, th at Party shall afford an opportunity to the other 
Parties to obtain equivalent levels of tran sparency or market access through negotiations 
(Article 26.3). The Parties agree to cooperate wi th a view to further liberalisation of public 
procurement markets and increased transparency in public procurement and shall review Article 20 in 
the Joint Committee no later than 3 years after the entry into force of the Agreement.  
F. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS  
76. Chapter 3 and Annex V of the Agreement address  protection of intellectual property.  It 
covers copyright, including computer programmes;  compilations of data and related rights;  
trademarks for goods and services;  geographical i ndications including appellations of origin for 
goods and indications of sources for services;  industrial designs; patents; plant varieties;  topographies of integrated circuits as well as undisclosed information (Article 1 of Annex V of the Agreement). 
77. Article 23 of the Agreement restates nationa l and MFN treatments obligations, referring 
explicitly to Articles 3 to 5 of the WTO TRIPS Ag reement.  Annex V (Article 2.1) reaffirms the 
Parties' obligations under other international agre ements in intellectual property rights and requires 
them to ratify or accede to agreements they are not party to (see Table IV.1) by 31 December 2010 
(Article 2.2). 
Table IV.1 
 WIPO Performances 
and Phonograms 
Treaty (WPPT) WIPO Copyright 
Treaty Geneva Act of 1999 of the Hague 
Agreement Concerning the 
International Registration of 
Industrial Designs International Convention for 
the protection of New Varieties 
of Plants (1978 or 1991 UPOV 
Convention) 
Iceland Not party yet Not party yet In force (23 December 2003) In force (3 May 2006) 
Liechtenstein In force (30 April 2007)  In force (30 April 
2007) In force (23 December 2003) Not party yet 
Norway Not party yet Not party yet In force (17 June 2010) In force (13 September 1993) 
Switzerland In force (1 July 2008) In  force (1 July 2008) In force (23 De cember 2003) In force (10 July 1977) 
Albania In force (16 March 2001) In force (21 December 
2001) Not Party yet In force (15 October 2005) 
Source : WTO Secretariat based on information at  http://www.wipo.int. and at http://www.upov.int 
 
78. The Parties agree to review, upon request of any Party, the IPR-related provisions with a view 
to further improving the level of protection they provide. 
79. In relation with trademarks56, which are covered by Article 3 of  Annex V, the Parties reaffirm 
the importance of, and are guided by the principles of the WIPO Joint Recommendation Concerning Provisions on the Protection of Well-Known Ma rks, adopted in 1999 and the WIPO Joint 
                                                      
56 Article 3 covers any sign, or any combination of signs, capable of distinguishing the goods or 
services of one undertaking from those of other undertaking. Such signs, in particular words, including 
combinations of words, personal names, letters, numera ls, figurative elements, shapes of goods, sounds and 
combinations of colours as well as any combination of such signs, shall be eligible for registration as 
trademarks.  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 25 
 
 
  Recommendation Concerning Provisions on the Protec tion of Marks and other Industrial Property 
Rights in Signs, on the Internet, adopted in 2001. 
80. For patents, which are covered by Article 4 of Annex V, the Parties shall ensure in their 
national laws adequate and effectiv e patent protection for inventions in all fields of technology, in 
accordance with the level of protection provided in  the European Patent Convention (EPC).  The 
Parties shall also ensure a compensatory term of  protection for pharmaceuticals and plant protection 
products calculated from the expiry of the maximum 20 year term for patents for a period equal to that 
which elapsed between the dates of filing the appli cation and the authorization to market the product, 
reduced by five years.  Compensatory protection shall be provided for  five years at most and granted conditionally.
57 
81. Undisclosed information, which is covered by Ar ticle 5 of Annex V, is to be protected in 
accordance with Article 39 of the TRIPS Agreement.  In addition, the Parties shall prevent applicants 
for marketing approval for pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemical products from relying on, or referring to, undisclosed test data or other data submitted to the competent authority by the first 
applicant for a period counted from the date or marketing approval, of at least 8 years for 
pharmaceuticals and at least 10 years for agrochemical products.
58 
82. For designs, which are covered by Article 6 of Annex V, and in comparison with Article 26.3 
of the TRIPS Agreement, which protects industria l designs for 10 years, the Agreement extends 
protection to 25 years in total.  A shorter peri od of protection may be provided for designs of 
component parts used for the repair of a product. 
83. The Parties shall provide adequate and eff ective protection for geographical indications59 
(GIs), and indications of source60 with regard to all products and services (Article 7 of Annex V).  
Without prejudice to Article 23 of the TRIPS Agreemen t, the Parties shall provide the legal means for 
interested parties to prevent the use of a GI or of an indication of source for goods not originating in the place indicated by the designation in question, in a manner which misleads the public as to the 
geographical origin of those goods or whic h constitutes an act of unfair competition.
61  S i m i l a r  
protection shall be provided for indications of sour ce for services.  Misleading use or registration of 
country names of a Party as trademarks, designs or as any other protected title shall also be prevented.  
Protection of armorial bearings, flags and other States or regional emblems of a Party shall be 
ensured, in accordance with the Pa rties' obligations under Article 6ter of the Paris Convention. 
84. Where the acquisition of an intellectual property ri ght is subject to the right being granted or 
registered, the Parties shall ensure that the procedur es for grant or registration are of the same level as 
                                                      
57 The applicable conditions are the following: (i) the product is protected by a patent in force;  
(ii) there has been an official marketing authorisation for the medicinal or plant protection product;  (iii) the 
right conferred by the patent has been postponed by admi nistrative procedures regarding authorisation of market 
access, so that the effective use of the patent amounts to  less than 15 years; and (i v) the effective protection 
conferred by the patent and the compensatory protection shall together not exceed 15 years. 
58 Reliance on or reference to such data may be permitted: (a) where approval is sought for re-imported 
products that have already been approved before exportation; or (b) in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of tests of agrochemical products involving vertebrate animals, provided that the first applicant is adequately 
compensated. 
59 For the purpose of the Agreement, "geographical  indications" are indications, which identify goods 
as originating in the territory of a Party, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation 
or other characteristic of such goods is essentially attributable to their geographical origin. 
60 "Indications of source" are direct or indirect references to the geographical origin of goods or 
services. 
61 Within the meaning of Article 10bis of the Paris Convention. WT/REG292/1 
Page 26  
 
  that provided in the TRIPS Agreement
62 (Article 8 of Annex V). The Parties shall provide for 
enforcement of intellectual property rights at the same level as that provided in the TRIPS 
Agreement63 (Article 9 of Annex V). 
85. The Agreement also contains specific provisi ons on suspension of release by competent 
authorities (Article 10 of Annex V), right of in spection (Article 11 of Annex V), and liability 
declaration, security or equivalent assurance (Article 12 of Annex V).  
86. Finally, co-operation in the fields of intellectua l property rights is emphasised in Article 13 of 
Annex V. 
G. OTHERS  
1. Competition 
87. For activities of public undertakings and undertakin gs for which the Par ties grant special or 
exclusive rights64, the following practices are incompatible with the proper functioning of the 
Agreement insofar as they may aff ect trade between Albania and an EFTA State:  (a) all agreement 
between undertakings, decisions by associations of  undertakings and concerted practices between 
undertakings which have as their object or effect  the prevention, restriction or distortion of 
competition;  and (b) abuse by one or more undertak ings of a dominant position in the territory of a 
party as a whole or in a substantial part thereof (Ar ticle 18).  A Party may raise a related case to the 
Joint Committee for examination. In case the matter is  not satisfactorily addressed, an affected Party 
may adopt appropriate measures to deal with th e difficulties resulting from a practice incompatible 
with the provisions of the Agreemen t on competition concerning undertakings. 
2. Services and Investments 
88. Article 24 contains a best endeavours commitment to provide in the Parties' territories stable, 
equitable and transparent investment conditions for investors of the other Parties that are making or 
seeking to make investments in their territori es.  The Parties identify areas for co-operation65 with a 
view to promoting investment and technology fl ows as a means for achieving economic growth and 
development.  Issues related to investment, includi ng the right of establishment of investors of one 
Party in the territory of another Party, shall be reviewed in the Joint Committee no later than five 
years after the entry into force of the Agreemen t (2016).  Moreover, all Parties, except Norway, 
commit to refrain from arbitrary or discriminatory  measures regarding investments by investors of 
another Party and shall observe any obligation they  have entered into with regard to a specific 
investment by an investor of another Party (Article 24.5).  
89. With respect to trade in Services, the Parties shall aim at achieving gradual liberalization and 
the opening of their markets for trade in services, in accordance with the pr ovisions of the GATS and 
taking into account on-going work under the auspices of  the WTO (Article 25.1).  If a Party grants to 
a non-Party, after the entry into force of the Agr eement, additional access to its services markets, it 
shall afford adequate opportunities fo r negotiations with a view to ex tending these benefits to another 
Party on a reciprocal basis (Article 25.2).  The Agreement foresees a review with a view to 
                                                      
62 In particular in its Article 62. 
63 In particular in its Articles 41 to 61 
64 Insofar as the application of these provisions does not  obstruct the performance,  in law or in fact, of 
the particular public tasks assigned to the public undertakings. 
65 Co-operation is flagged in the following areas: (a) appropriate means of identifying investment 
opportunities and information channels on investment regulations; (b) exchange of information on measures to promote investment abroad; and (c) the furthering of a legal environment conductive to increased investment 
flows.  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 27 
 
 
  establishing an agreement on liberalization of trad e services in accordance with Article V of the 
GATS. 
H. INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK  
90. Institutional provisions are laid down in Article 31.  The body responsible for the supervision 
and review of the implementation of the Agreem ent is the Albania-EFTA Joint Committee, within 
which each Party is represented.  The Committee is  to keep under review the possibility of removing 
further obstacles to trade between the Parties, to ove rsee the further development of the Agreement, to 
supervise the work of all sub-committees and work ing groups established under the Agreement, to 
endeavour to resolve disputes that may arise rega rding the interpretation or application of the 
Agreement, to oversee the implementation of transp arency-related provisions, and to consider any 
other matter that may affect the operation of the Ag reement.  The Joint Committee acts by consensus, 
establishes its own rules and procedures and may set  up subcommittees and working groups to assist 
it in its functions.  It shall meet annually and at the re quest of any Party. It has not yet done so to date.  
91. A Sub-Committee on Rules of Origin, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation is 
established (Article 14) with reference to Article 7 and Protocol B (rules of origin), to Article 13 and 
Annex III (Trade facilitation), and to Articles 6, 8,  9 (customs duties and quantitative restrictions).. 
The mandate of the Sub-Committee is set out in A nnex IV of the Agreement. Through exchange of 
information, review of developmen ts, preparation of the Parties co ordinated positions, and preparation 
of technical amendments, the Sub-Committee assists the Joint Committee regarding matters related to 
rules of origin, trade facilitation, and other customs matters.  
I. DISPUTE SETTLEMENT  
92.  Chapter 7 of the Agreement sets out dispute settlement provisions between one or several 
EFTA States and Albania, although the Parties ar e encouraged to make every attempt through 
co-operation and consultation to arrive at  a mutually satisfactory solution.   
93. Under Article 32 consultations ma y be requested in writing by any Party. The consultations 
which shall take place in the Joint Committee must be  held within 20 days of the receipt of a written 
notification.  If the Party to which a request for cons ultations is made does not reply within 10 days or 
does not enter into consultations within 20 days after receipt of the request, the Party making the 
request is entitled to request the establishment of an arbitration panel.  
94. The rules for the establishment and functioning of the arbitral panel are laid down in 
Article 33, and include, the qualifications of and procedures for the selection of the panellists66, the 
terms of reference and the rules for the issuance of an arbitral award.67  The award of the arbitration 
panel shall be final and binding upon the Parties to the dispute. 
95. Article 34 defines the process for the implementa tion of the arbitral award and the resolution 
of the dispute.  It contains provisions for the review , by the arbitration panel, of the implementation of 
the arbitral award or lack thereof and on the susp ension of benefits granted by the Agreement that 
may be sought by the complaining Party.   
                                                      
66 In case the three members of the panel have not b een designated or appointed within 60 days from 
the receipt of the notificatio n requesting the establishment of the arbitral panel, eith er party to the dispute may 
request the Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at th e Hague to design ate an appointing 
authority. 
67 Unless otherwise specified in the Agreement or agreed between the Parties to the dispute, the 
Optional Rules for Arbitrating Disputes between Two St ates of the Permanent Cour t of Arbitration (PCA), 
effective 20 October 1992, shall apply. WT/REG292/1 
Page 28  
 
  96. The procedures for the settlement of a dis pute under the Agreement are summarized in 
Table IV.2 below. 
Table IV.2 - Synopsis of Dispute Settlement Provisions under the Agreement 
 
 
 
J. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER AGREEMENTS CONCLUDED BY THE PARTIES   
97. In the Preamble of the Agreement, the Parti es consider that "no provision of the Agreement 
may be interpreted as exempting the Parties from their obligations under other international 
agreements, especially the Marrakech Agreement establishing the WTO and the other agreements 
negotiated thereunder". Moreover, Article 39 of the Agreement states that "the provisions of the 
Agreement shall be without prejudice to the ri ghts and obligations of the Parties under the 
WTO Agreement and the other agreem ents negotiated thereunder, to which they are a party, and any 
other international agreement, to which they ar e a party".  The Agreement shall not preclude the 
maintenance or establishment of customs, free trade areas, arrangements for frontier trade and other 
preferential agreements insofar as they do not ha ve the effect of altering the trade arrangements 
provided for in the Agreement (Article 39.2). When a Party enters into a customs union of free trade 
agreement with a third party it shall, upon request, be  prepared to enter into consultations with the 
requesting Party (Article 39.3). 
98. Table IV.3 lists the regional trade agreemen ts (RTAs), notified to the GATT/WTO and in 
force, to which the EFTA States and Albania are parties. 
 
 
 
    
 Written request for consultations 
(Article 32) 
Other Parties may join 
consultations  
Consultation 
(Article 32) 
Written request to establish an 
Arbitral tribunal   
(Article 33) 
Issuance of arbitral panel's 
award   
(Article 33) 
Implementation of award 
as agreed by the Parties (Article 34.1)  Non-implementation of award 
Complaining Party requests resolution 
by the panel (Article 34.3) 
Issuance of arbitral panel's award  
(Article 34.3) 
Compensation/suspension of benefits 
by Complaining Party  
(Article 34.3) 
Review of suspension of benefits  
By Panel, upon request (Article 34.4) 
Issuance of Arbitral panel's ruling 
(Article 34.4)  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 29 
 
 
  Table IV.3:  EFTA States and Albania:  Participation in othe r RTAs (notified and non-notified in force), as of 1 June 2012  
Partner / Agreement Date of entry  
into force Type of 
agreement GATT/WTO Notification 
Year WTO Provision 
EFTA  STATES  - COLLECTIVELY 
Peru 01.07.11 
(Switzerland/Liechten
stein); 01.10.2011 (Iceland); pending for 
Norway Goods 2011 GATT Art. XXIV 
Colombia 01.07.11 
(Switzerland/Liechtenstein); pending for 
Iceland and Norway Goods & Services 2011 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Serbia 01.10.10 Goods 2010 GATT Art. XXIV 
Canada 01.07.09 Goods 2009 GATT Art. XXIV 
SACU 01.05.08 Goods 2008 GATT Art. XXIV 
Egypt 01.08.07 Goods 2007 GATT Art. XXIV 
Lebanon 01.01.07 Goods 2006 GATT Art. XXIV 
Republic of Korea 01.09.06 Goods & Servi ces 2006 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Tunisia 01.06.05 Goods 2005 GATT Art. XXIV 
Chile 01.12.04 Goods & Services 2004 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Singapore 01.01.03 Goods & Services 2003  GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Croatia 01.01.02 Goods 2002 GATT Art. XXIV 
Jordan 01.01.02 Goods 2002 GATT Art. XXIV 
Mexico 01.07.01 Goods & Services 2001 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
FYROM 01.01.01 Goods 2000 GATT Art. XXIV 
Morocco 01.12.99 Goods 2000 GATT Art. XXIV 
Palestinian Authority 01.07.99 Goods 1999 GATT Art. XXIV 
Israel 01.01.93 Goods 1992 GATT Art. XXIV 
Turkey 01.04.92 Goods 1992 GATT Art. XXIV 
Iceland (EFTA Accession) 01.03.70 Goods 1970 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA 03.05.60 
01.06.02 Goods 
Services 1959 
2002 GATT Art. XXIV 
GATS Art. V 
INDIVIDUAL  EFTA  STATES 
Japan - Switzerland 01.09.09 Goods & Servi ces 2009 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Iceland – Faroe Islands 01.11.06 Goods & Serv ices 2008 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Faroe Islands – Switzerland 01.03.95 Goods 1996 GATT Art. XXIV 
EEA 01.01.94 Services 1996 GATS Art. V 
Faroe Islands – Norway 01.07.93 Goods 1996 GATT Art. XXIV 
EU-Norway 01.07.73 Goods 1973 GATT Art. XXIV 
EU-Iceland 01.04.73 Goods 1972 GATT Art. XXIV 
EU-Switzerland and Liechtenstein 01. 01.73 Goods 1972 GATT Art. XXIV 
ALBANIA 
Turkey 01.05.08 Goods 2008 GATT Art. XXIV 
CEFTA 01.05.07 Goods 2007 GATT Art. XXIV 
EU 01.12.06 
01.04.09 Goods 
Services 2007 
2009 GATT Art. XXIV 
GATS Art. V 
SACU: Southern African Customs Union  EEA: European Economic Area 
FYROM: Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia  CEFTA: Central European Free Trade Agreement 
Source: WTO Secretariat. WT/REG292/1 
Page 30  
 
  ANNEX I 
 
Indicators of Trade Liberalization under the Agreement and AAs 
  
1. Comparisons between the scheduled elimination of tariffs applied to the Parties' mutual 
imports and the duty rates applied by Parties to MFN imports are shown in Tables AI.1 to AI.3, 
according to agricultural, non-agricultural and tota l products.  Applied MFN duty rates in 2010, for 
Albania-Switzerland/Liechtenstein, and in 2011, for Albania-Iceland and Albania-Norway, serve as a 
basis for the comparisons. 
(a) EFTA States 
2. Iceland's average applied MFN rate in 201 1 was 4.4%.  The average applied tariff on 
agricultural products (11.3%) was roughly 5 times higher than that applied to non-agricultural 
products (2.4%) and 70.2% of all tariff lines were  duty free.  Under the Agreement, Albanian 
exporters benefit from an absolute prefer ence margin of 3% for agricultural goods vis-à-vis the 
prevailing average MFN tariff in 2011, and 2.4% for non-agricultural goods.  Overall, Albanian 
exporters enjoy an absolute preference margin of  2.6% over the average applied MFN tariff, as well 
as a 23.2% increase to 93.4% in the share of Icel and's duty-free lines, although 70% of tariff lines for 
agricultural goods are duty-free under the Agreemen t, as compared to 100% for non-agricultural 
products. 
Table AI.1 
Iceland: Indicators of MFN tariff rates a nd preferential rates for imports from Albania 
Origin of 
goods Year ALL PRODUCTS Agricultural products a Non-agricultural products 
Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-free 
tariff lines 
(%) Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-free 
tariff lines 
(%) Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-free 
tariff 
lines (%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) 
MFN 2011 4.4 14.9 70.2 11.3 26.4 55.5 2.4 9.5 74.3 
Albania 2011 1.8 29.5 93.4 8.3 29.5 70.0 0.0 0.0 100.0 
 
a WTO Definition. Note: For the calculation of averages, specific rates are excluded and the ad valorem  part of alternate rates are included. 
Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. 
 
Source : WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by Iceland. 
 
3. Norway's average applied MFN rate in 2011 was 2%.  The average applied tariff on 
agricultural products (16.78%) was roughly 36 times  higher than that applied to non-agricultural 
products (0.46%) and 84% of all tariff lines were duty free.  Under the Agreement, Albanian exporters 
benefit from an absolute preference ma rgin of 3.38% for agricultural goods vis-à-vis the prevailing 
average MFN tariff in 2011, and 0.46% for non-agricu ltural goods.  Overall, Albanian exporters enjoy 
an absolute preference margin of 0.56% over the average applied MFN tariff.  The Agreement 
increased the share of duty free tariff lines for Albani an exporters by 5.37% to 89.23% , although only 
44.13% of tariff lines for agricultural goods are dut y-free under the Agreement, compared to 99.98% 
for non-agricultural products.  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 31 
 
 
  Table AI.2 
Norway: Indicators of MFN tariff rates and preferential rates for imports from Albania 
Origin of 
goods Year ALL PRODUCTS Agricultural products a Non-agricultural products 
Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-free 
tariff 
lines (%) Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-free 
tariff lines 
(%) Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-free 
tariff 
lines (%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) 
MFN 2011 2.00 34.27 83.86 16.78 97.54 36.05 0.46 9.92 95.23 
Albania 2011 1.44 105.96 89.23 13.40 105.96 44.13 0.00 0.00 99.98 
 
a WTO Definition. 
Note: Specific duties are excluded in the calculation of averages. 
Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. 
 
Source : WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by Norway. 
 
4. As the majority of tariff lines in Switzerland's MFN tariff consist of specific duties, a similar 
analysis as presented above is not possible.  However, table AI.3 shows that, as of entry into force of 
the Agreement (2010), Albania benefited from 84.36 % of Switzerland's tariff schedule being duty free 
as compared to 17.84% on an MFN basis.  The sh are of duty free lines on industrial goods increased 
to 99.97% from 17.48% on an MFN basis and to 36.68% on agricultural goods compared to 18.16% 
on an MFN basis. 
Table AI.3 
Switzerland: Indicators of MFN tariff rates a nd preferential rates for imports from Albania 
Origin of 
goods Year ALL PRODUCTS Agricultural products a Non-agricultural products 
Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-free 
tariff 
lines (%) Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-free 
tariff lines 
(%) Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-free 
tariff 
lines (%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) 
MFN 2010 n.a. n.a. 17.84 n.a. n.a. 18.16 n.a. n.a. 17.48 
Albania 2010 n.a. n.a. 84.36 n.a. n.a. 36.68 n.a. n.a. 99.97 
 
a WTO Definition. 
n.a.  Not available: the majority of Switzerla nd's tariff is subject to specific duties for which ad valorem  equivalents are not available. 
 
Note: Calculation excludes specific and tariff lines  subject to in-quota duties at the MFN level. 
Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. 
 
Source : WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by Switzerland. 
 
(b) Albania 
5. In 2010, when the Agreement entered into fo rce in relation to Switzerland/Liechtenstein, 
Albania's average applied MFN rate was 5.22%.  The average applied tariff on agricultural products 
(8.77%) was roughly twice that applied to non-agricu ltural products (4.27%) and 39.4% of all tariff 
lines were duty free.  Under the Agreement, Swis s exporters benefit from an absolute preference 
margin of 4.98% for agricultural goods vis-à-vis the prevailing average MFN tariff, and 4.27% for 
non-agricultural goods, which are fully liberalized unde r the agreement.  Switzerland benefits from an 
increase to 93.40% in the share of Albania's duty -free lines, 68.72% for agricultural products  and 
100% for non-agricultural products. 
6. In 2011 when the Agreement entered into force in relation to Iceland and Norway, Albania's 
average applied MFN rate was 4.3%.  The average applied tariff on agricultural products (8.7%) was 
roughly three times higher than that applied to non-agri cultural products (3.1%) and 47.2% of all tariff 
lines were duty free.  Under the Agreement, Icel andic and Norwegian exporters benefit from an 
absolute preference margin of 4.9% for agricultural goods vis-à-vis the prevailing average MFN tariff, WT/REG292/1 
Page 32  
 
  and 3.1% for non-agricultural goods, which are fully  liberalized under the agreement.  Iceland and 
Norway benefit from an increase to 93.3% in the share of Albania's duty-free lines, although 68.9% 
for agricultural products  compared to  100% for non-agricultural products. 
Table AI.4 
Albania: Indicators of MFN tariff rates and pr eferential rates for imports from EFTA states 
Origin of 
goods Year ALL PRODUCTS Agricultural products a Non-agricultural products 
Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-free 
tariff 
lines (%) Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-free 
tariff lines 
(%) Average applied 
tariff Share of 
duty-free 
tariff 
lines (%) Overal
l (%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overal
l (%) On 
dutiable 
(%) 
MFN 2010 5.22 8.62 39.41 8.77 9.83 10.79 4.27 8.08 47.12 
Switzerland 2010 0.80 12.12 93.40 3.79 12.12 68.72 0.00 0.00 100.00 
 2011 0.80 12.11 93.40 3.79 12.11 68.72 0.00 0.00 100.00 
MFN 2011 4.3 8.1 47.2 8.7 9.7 10.6 3.1 7.2 57.3 
Iceland/Norway 2011 0.8 12.1 93.3 3.8 12.1 68.9 0.0 0.0 100.0 
 
a WTO Definition. 
Note: excludes tariff lines beyond HS chapter 97. 
Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. 
 
Source : WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by Albania. 
 
1. Indicators of improvement of market access conditions 
(a) EFTA market 
7. Table AI.5 shows the market access conditions in Iceland for Albania's top 25 exports, which 
in 2008-2010 accounted for 63.2% of its global exports.  Eighteen tariff lines were already duty-free 
on an MFN basis.  The 21 tariff lines (accounting for 22.7% of Albania's share in global exports) 
which were dutiable became duty-free upon entry in to force of the Agreement.  Thus all top 
25 Albanian exports to Iceland were given duty free access immediately as a result of the Agreement. 
Table AI.5 – Iceland: Market access opportunities under the agreement for Albania's top 25 exports to the world 
Albania's top export products in 2008-2010  Access Conditions to Iceland's import markets
MFN (2011)  
Duty-
free in 
2011 HS number and description of the product  Share in 
global 
exports (%)  Average MFN 
applied rate 
(%) No. of tariff lines 
Duty-
free Dutiable 
270900 Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous 
minerals, crude. 8.0 0.0 1   
640610 - Uppers and parts thereof, ot her than stiffeners 6.7 0.0 1   
620342 -- Of cotton 4.7 15.0  1 1 
261000 Chromium ores and concentrates. 4.7 0.0 1   
721420 - Containing indentati ons, ribs, grooves or other 
deformations produced during the rolling process or twisted after rolling 4.2 0.0 2   
271600 Electrical energy. (optional heading) 3.4 0.0 1   
830140 - Other locks 3.2 3.8 1 1 1 
620520 - Of cotton 2.9 15.0  1 1 
640590 - Other 2.1 15.0  3 3 
640510 - With uppers of leather or composition leather 2.1 15.0  3 3 
610910 - Of cotton 2.0 15.0  1 1 
720711 -- Of rectangular (including square) cross-
section, the width measuring less than twice the thickness 1.8 0.0 1   
252329 -- Other 1.7 0.0 1   
160416 -- Anchovies 1.7 10.0  2 2 
740400 Copper waste and scrap. 1.6 0.0 1   
260300 Copper ores and concentrates. 1.5 0.0 1   
720241 -- Containing by weight more than 4% of carbon 1.5 0.0 1   
Table AI.5 (Cont'd) WT/REG292/1 
 Page 33 
 
 
  Albania's top export products in 2008-2010  Access Conditions to Iceland's import markets
MFN (2011)  
Duty-
free in 
2011 HS number and description of the product  Share in 
global 
exports (%)  Average MFN 
applied rate 
(%) No. of tariff lines 
Duty-
free Dutiable 
610821 -- Of cotton 1.5 15.0  1 1 
481940 - Other sacks and bags, including cones 1.3 2.5 1 1 1 
610711 -- Of cotton 1.3 15.0  1 1 
121190 - Other 1.2 0.0 3   
271320 - Petroleum bitumen 1.0 0.0 1   
720449 -- Other 1.0 0.0 1   
640351 -- Covering the ankle 1.0 15.0  3 3 
640391 -- Covering the ankle 1.0 15.0  3 3 
Total of above 63.2 18 21 21 
 
Source : WTO estimates based on the MFN data provide d by Iceland and UNSD, Comtrade database. 
 
8. Table AI.6 shows the market access conditions in Norway for Albania's top 25 exports, which 
in 2008-2010 accounted for 63.2% of its global exports. The 28 tariff lines that were already duty-free 
on an MFN basis before entry into force of th e Agreement fall under almost every top 25 export 
product category. Out of the 32 tariff lines coveri ng Albania's top 25 exports, four remain dutiable 
after the implementation of Norway's commitments; all of them being related to cotton products.   
Table AI.6 – Norway: Market access o pportunities under the agreement for Al bania's top 25 exports to the world 
Albania's top export products in 2008-2010  Access Conditions to Norway's import markets
MFN (2011)
Remain 
Dutiable  HS number and description of the product  Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Average 
MFN 
applied 
rate 
(%)No. of tariff lines  
Duty-
free Dutiable 
270900 Petroleum oils and oils obtained from 
bituminous minerals, crude. 8.0 0.0 2   
640610 - Uppers and parts thereof, ot her than stiffeners 6.7 0.0 2   
620342 -- Of cotton 4.7 10.7  2 2 
261000 Chromium ores and concentrates. 4.7 0.0 1   
721420 - Containing indent ations, ribs, grooves or 
other deformations produced during the rolling 
process or twisted after rolling 4.2 0.0 1   
271600 Electrical energy. (optional heading) 3.4 0.0 1   
830140 - Other locks 3.2 0.0 2   
620520 - Of cotton 2.9 10.7  1 1 
640590 - Other 2.1 0.0 3   
640510 - With uppers of leather or composition leather 2.1 0.0 2   
610910 - Of cotton 2.0 10.7  1 1 
720711 -- Of rectangular (including square) cross-
section, the width measuring less than twice the thickness 1.8 0.0 1   
252329 -- Other 1.7 0.0 1   
160416 -- Anchovies 1.7 0.0 1   
740400 Copper waste and scrap. 1.6 0.0 1   
260300 Copper ores and concentrates. 1.5 0.0 1   
720241 -- Containing by weight more than 4% of 
carbon 1.5 0.0 1   
610821 -- Of cotton 1.5 0.0 1   
481940 - Other sacks and bags, including cones 1.3 0.0 1   
610711 -- Of cotton 1.3 0.0 1   
121190 - Other 1.2 0.0 1   
271320 - Petroleum bitumen 1.0 0.0 1   
720449 -- Other 1.0 0.0 1   
640351 -- Covering the ankle 1.0 0.0 1   
640391 -- Covering the ankle 1.0 0.0 1   
Total of above 63.2 28 4 4 
 
Source : WTO estimates based on data provided by  Norway and UNSD, Comtrade database. 
 WT/REG292/1 
Page 34  
 
  9. Table AI.7 shows the market access conditions in Switzerland for Albania's top 25 exports, 
which in 2007-2009 accounted for 62.1% of its globa l exports.  Nine (9) tariff lines were already 
duty-free on an MFN basis.  None of the twenty-five (25) dutiable tariff lines became duty-free upon the entry into force of the Agreement (in 2010). 
Table AI.7 – Switzerland: Market acce ss opportunities under the agreement for Albania's top 25 exports to the world 
Albania's top export products in 2007-2009  Access Conditions to Switzerland's import markets
MFN (2010)
Remain 
Dutiable  HS number and description of the product  Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Average 
MFN applied 
rate 
(%) No. of tariff lines  
Duty-free Dutiable 
640610 - Uppers and parts thereof, other than stiffeners 8.4 …  1 1 
270900 Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous 
minerals, crude. 6.2 0.0 2   
620342 -- Of cotton 5.8 …  1 1 
261000 Chromium ores and concentrates. 4.5 0.0 1   
721420 - Containing indentati ons, ribs, grooves or other 
deformations produced during the rolling process or twisted after rolling 4.1 …  3 3 
830140 - Other locks 3.6 …  1 1 
620520 - Of cotton 3.2 …  1 1 
640590 - Other 2.5 …  2 2 
640510 - With uppers of leather or composition leather 2.3 …  1 1 
610910 - Of cotton 2.1 …  1 1 
160416 -- Anchovies 1.8 0.0 1 1 1 
610821 -- Of cotton 1.8 …  1 1 
740400 Copper waste and scrap. 1.7 0.0 1 1 1 
121190 - Other 1.5 0.0 1   
481940 - Other sacks and bags, including cones 1.4 …  1 1 
610711 -- Of cotton 1.4 …  1 1 
260300 Copper ores and concentrates. 1.4 0.0 1   
640391 -- Covering the ankle 1.3 …  1 1 
271320 - Petroleum bitumen 1.2 …  1 1 
252329 -- Other 1.1 …  1 1 
271600 Electrical energy. (optional heading) 1.0 0.0 1   
610610 - Of cotton 1.0 …  1 1 
760200 Aluminium waste and scrap. 0.9 0.0 1   
720241 -- Containing by weight more than 4% of carbon 0.9 …  1 1 
640359 -- Other 0.9 …  4 4 
Total of above 62.1 9 25 25 
 
.. specific duty 
 
Source : WTO estimates based on data provided by Switzerland and UNSD, Comtrade database. 
 
(b) Albanian market  
10. Table AI.8 shows the market access conditions in Albania for Iceland's top 25 exports, which 
in 2008-2010 accounted for 85.6% of its global exports.  157 tariff lines were already duty-free on an 
MFN basis while 16 were, and remain upon implemen tation of the Agreement, subject to duties. 
Table AI.8 – Albania: Market access opportunities under the agreement for Iceland's top 25 exports to the world 
Iceland's top export products in 2008-2010  Access Conditions to Albania's import markets
MFN (2011)  
Remain 
Dutiable  HS number and description of the product  Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Average 
MFN 
applied 
rate (%)  No. of tariff lines  
Duty-
free Dutiable 
030613 -- Shrimps and prawns 2.0 0.0 5   
150420 - Fats and oils and their fractions, of fish, other than 
liver oils 1.5 0.0 2   
271019 -- Other 1.2 4.0 11 14 14 
030331 -- Halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, 
Hippoglossus hippoglossus, Hippoglossus stenolepis) 1.2 0.0 3   
Table AI.8 (Cont'd)  WT/REG292/1 
 Page 35 
 
 
  Iceland's top export products in 2008-2010  Access Conditions to Albania's import markets
MFN (2011)  
Remain 
Dutiable  HS number and description of the product  Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Average 
MFN 
applied 
rate (%)  No. of tariff lines  
Duty-
free Dutiable 
030269 -- Other 1.1 0.0 25   
030551 -- Cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus 
macrocephalus) 1.0 0.0 2   
030380 - Livers and roes 1.0 0.0 2   
030262 -- Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) 0.8 0.0 1   
030374 -- Mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber 
australasicus, Scomber japonicus) 0.7 0.0 2   
030559 -- Other 0.6 0.0 5   
902139 -- Other 0.6 0.0 2   
902131 -- Artificial joints 0.5 0.0 1   
030250 - Cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus 
macrocephalus), excluding livers and roes 0.5 0.0 2   
030520 - Livers and roes of fish, dried, smoked, salted or in 
brine 0.5 0.0 1   
760110 - Aluminium, not alloyed 37.8 0.0 1   
030429 -- Other 7.6 0.0 33   
030419 -- Other 5.0 0.0 13   
880240 - Aeroplanes and other ai rcraft, of an unladen weight 
exceeding 15,000 kg 4.0 2.0  1 1 
030562 -- Cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus 
macrocephalus) 3.0 0.0 1   
030530 - Fish fillets, dried, salted or in brine, but not smoked 2.9 0.0 5   
230120 - Flours, meals and pellets , of fish or of crustaceans, 
molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates 2.9 0.0 1   
720221 -- Containing by weight more than 55% of silicon 2.7 2.0  1 1 
030379 -- Other 2.5 0.0 22   
030499 -- Other 2.1 0.0 16   
300490 - Other 2.0 0.0 1   
Total of above 85.6 157 16 16 
 
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by  Albania and UNSD, Comtrade database. 
 
11. Table AI.9 shows the market access conditions in  Albania for Norway's top 25 exports, which 
in 2008-2010 accounted for 76.9% of its global exports.  106 tariff lines were already duty-free on an 
MFN basis while 31 were, and remained upon implem entation of the Agreement, subject to duties and 
include petroleum and fish products. 
Table AI.9 – Albania: Market access opportunities under the agreement for Norway's top 25 exports to the world 
Norway's top export products in 2008-2010  Access Conditions to Albania's import markets
MFN (2011)
Remain 
Dutiable  HS number and description of the product  Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Average 
MFN 
applied 
rate 
(%)No. of tariff lines  
Duty-
free Dutiable 
270900 Petroleum oils and oils obtained from 
bituminous minerals, crude. 36.7 10.0  2 2 
271121 -- Natural gas 21.4 2.0  1 1 
760120 - Aluminium alloys 2.5 0.0 3   
271011 -- Light oils and preparations 2.3 4.5 5 7 7 
030212 -- Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka, 
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, Oncorhynchus keta, Oncorhynchus tschawyt scha, Oncorhynchus 
kisutch, Oncorhynchus masou and 
Oncorhynchus rhodurus), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and Danube salmon (Hucho 
hucho) 2.2 0.0 1   
271019 -- Other 1.9 4.0 11 14 14 
750210 - Nickel, not alloyed 1.2 0.0 1   
271112 -- Propane 1.2 0.0 6   
271113 -- Butanes 0.8 0.0 4   
Table AI.9 (Cont'd)WT/REG292/1 
Page 36  
 
  Norway's top export products in 2008-2010  Access Conditions to Albania's import markets
MFN (2011)
Remain 
Dutiable  HS number and description of the product  Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Average 
MFN 
applied 
rate 
(%)No. of tariff lines  
Duty-
free Dutiable 
890190 - Other vessels for the transport of goods and 
other vessels for the transport of both persons 
and goods 0.7 2.0  2 2 
381800 Chemical elements doped for use in 
electronics, in the form of discs, wafers or 
similar forms; chemical compounds doped for 
use in electronics. 0.7 2.0  2 2 
843143 -- Parts for boring or sinking machinery of 
subheading 8430.41 or 8430.49 0.6 0.0 1   
271600 Electrical energy. (optional heading) 0.6 0.0 1   
271111 -- Natural gas 0.5 2.0  1 1 
030429 -- Other 0.4 0.0 33   
030419 -- Other 0.4 0.0 13   
841370 - Other centrifugal pumps 0.4 0.0 11   
851762 -- Machines for the reception, conversion and 
transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, includi ng switching and routing 
apparatus 0.4 0.0 1   
292429 -- Other 0.4 0.0 2   
890120 - Tankers 0.4 2.0  2 2 
730890 - Other 0.3 0.0 4   
847989 -- Other 0.3 0.0 3   
480261 -- In rolls 0.3 0.0 2   
030551 -- Cod (Gadus morhua, Gadus ogac, Gadus 
macrocephalus) 0.3 0.0 2   
030374 -- Mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scomber 
australasicus, Scomber japonicus) 0.3 0.0 2   
Total of above 76.9 106 31 31 
 
Source : WTO estimates based on data provided by  Albania and UNSD, Comtrade database. 
 
12. Table AI.10 shows the market access conditions in  Albania for Switzerland's top 25 exports, 
which in 2007-2009 accounted for 42.9% of its globa l exports.  Thirty-two tariff lines were already 
duty-free on an MFN basis and none of the fourteen  tariff lines which were dutiable became duty-free 
upon entry into force of the Agreement.   
Table AI.10 – Albania: Market access opportunities under th e agreement for Switzerland's top 25 exports to the world 
Switzerland's top export products in 2007-2009  Access Conditions to Albania's import markets
MFN (2010)
Remain 
Dutiable  HS number and description of the product  Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Average 
MFN applied 
rate (%)  No. of tariff lines  
Duty-free Dutiable 
300490 - Other 11.2 0.0 1   
300210 - Antisera and other bl ood fractions and modified 
immunological products, whether or not obtained 
by means of biotechnological processes 6.9 0.0 4   
910221 -- With automatic winding 2.7 15.0  1 1 
271600 Electrical energy. (optional heading) 2.3 0.0 1   
711319 -- Of other precious meta l, whether or not plated 
or clad with precious metal 2.3 15.0  1 1 
293399 -- Other 1.6 0.0 3   
910211 -- With mechanical display only 1.6 15.0  1 1 
910121 -- With automatic winding 1.5 15.0  1 1 
711011 -- Unwrought or in powder form 1.2 2.0  1 1 
841199 -- Other 1.1 0.0 1   
300420 - Containing other antibiotics 1.0 0.0 1   
292429 -- Other 1.0 0.0 2   
710239 -- Other 0.9 2.0  1 1 
294190 - Other 0.9 0.0 1   
300439 -- Other 0.8 0.0 1   
Table AI.10 (Cont'd) WT/REG292/1 
 Page 37 
 
 
  Switzerland's top export products in 2007-2009  Access Conditions to Albania's import markets
MFN (2010)
Remain 
Dutiable  HS number and description of the product  Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Average 
MFN applied 
rate (%)  No. of tariff lines  
Duty-free Dutiable 
293719 -- Other 0.8 0.0 1   
902110 - Orthopaedic or fracture appliances 0.8 0.0 2   
293499 -- Other 0.6 0.0 2   
902150 - Pacemakers for stimulating heart muscles, 
excluding parts and accessories 0.6 0.0 1   
220290 - Other 0.6 15.0  4 4 
910129 -- Other 0.6 15.0  1 1 
880230 - Aeroplanes and other aircraft, of an unladen 
weight exceeding 2,000 kg but not exceeding 
15,000 kg 0.6 2.0  1 1 
970110 - Paintings, drawings and pastels 0.5 0.0 1   
330290 - Other 0.5 2.0  2 2 
901890 - Other instruments and appliances 0.5 0.0 10   
Total of above 42.9 32 14 14 
 
Source : WTO estimates based on data provided by  Albania and UNSD, Comtrade database. 
  
  WT/REG292/1 
Page 38 
ANNEX II 
 
Summary of TRQ commitments undertaken by Switzerland/Liechtenstein  
 
Table AII.1 
Summary of WTO-related TRQs referred to in Switzerland Sc hedule of tariff concessions (product description column) 
 (WTO TRQ number) 
Description of products (HS) Tariff Code Number of tariff 
lines covered by 
the WTO-TRQ 
commitment Tariff quota quantity  of  
products under the WTO-
TRQ MFN WTO in-quota rate 
(LIX Section I-B) Preferential in-quota rate  
or Rebate 
(AA, Annex 2) 
(5) Animals for slaughter;  meat mainly produced on the 
basis of coarse fodder 02102010 44 22,500 (tons) 375 (CHF. per piece) 238 (CHF. per piece) 
(6)  Animals for slaughter;  meat mainly produced on the 
basis of concentrated fodder 02101991 
16010021 16010049 48 54,482 (tons) 375 (CHF. per piece) 
na na 187 (CHF. per piece) 
110 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 110 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
(12)  Bovine semen 05111010 1 20,000 (doses) 0.1 (CHF. per unit applied) 0 
(13)  Cut flowers 06031110 
06031210 06031310 
06031410 
06031911 06031919 6 4,590 (gross tons) 12.5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
25 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 25 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
25 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
25 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 25 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 0 
0 
20 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
20 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
20 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 20 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
(14)  Seed potatoes, potatoes for processing, table 
potatoes, potato products (in potato equivalent) 07011010 
07019010 
07129021 20 22,250 (tons) 6 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
6 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
na  
 Rebate:  1.4 (CHF. per 100 kg) 
Rebate:  3 (CHF. per 100 kg) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
(15)  Fresh vegetables 07031013 
07031021 07031031 
07031041 
07031051 07031061 
07031071 
07039011 07039021 
07041011 
07041021 07041091 
07042011 
07049018 07049021 
07049031 
07049041 165 166,076 (tons) 0.2 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
2.9 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 2.9 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
2.9 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
2.9 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 2.9 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
2.9 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
7 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
7 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 7 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
3 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 3 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
3 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
3 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 0 
0 0 
0 
0 0 
0 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
0 
0 0 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
0 0 
0 
0  
   WT/REG292/1
 Page 39 (WTO TRQ number) 
Description of products (HS) Tariff Code Number of tariff 
lines covered by 
the WTO-TRQ 
commitment Tariff quota quantity  of  
products under the WTO-
TRQ MFN WTO in-quota rate 
(LIX Section I-B) Preferential in-quota rate  
or Rebate 
(AA, Annex 2) 
07049051 
07049061 
07049064 
07049071 07049081 
07051118 
07051121 07051198 
07051911 
07051921 07051931 07051941 
07051951 
07051991 07052111 
07061011 
07061021 07061031 
07069018 
07069028 07069031 
07069041 
07069051 07069061 
07070011 
07070021 07070031 
07070041 
07081011 07081021 
07082028 
07082038 07082048 
07082098 
07089081 07092011 07093011 
07094011 
07094021 07094091 
07097011 
07099041 10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
7 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
7 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
7 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
4 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
4 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 4 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
4 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
7 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 0 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
3.5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
3.5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
3.5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
2 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
2 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 2 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
2 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
3.5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
0 
0 0 
0 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
0 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut)  
  WT/REG292/1 
Page 40 
 (WTO TRQ number) 
Description of products (HS) Tariff Code Number of tariff 
lines covered by 
the WTO-TRQ 
commitment Tariff quota quantity  of  
products under the WTO-
TRQ MFN WTO in-quota rate 
(LIX Section I-B) Preferential in-quota rate  
or Rebate 
(AA, Annex 2) 
07099051 
07099084 10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
(17)  Fresh apples, pears and quinces 08081022 
08081032 
08081022 
08082032 8 15,810 (tons) na 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
2 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 0 
Rebate:  2.5 (CHF. per 100 kg) 
0 
Rebate:  2.5 (CHF. per 100 kg) 
(18)  Fresh apricots, cherries, plums and sloes 08091018 
08091098 
08092011 
08094013 08094093 12 16,340 (tons) 3 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
3 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
3 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
10 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 0 
0 
0 
0 0 
(19)  Other fresh fruit1 08101011 
08102011 
08102021 
08109094 10 13,360 (tons) 3 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
5 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
na 0 
0 
0 
0 
(20)  Fruit for cider 08081011 
08082011 2 172 (tons) na 
na 0 
0 
(21)  Seed fruit products (in seed fruit equivalent) 20099011 16 244 (tons) 30 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 16 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
(22)  Grapes for pressing and grape juice 20096910 6 100,000 (hectolitres) 34 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 16 (CHF. per 100 kg brut) 
na: not applicable. 
Source: Prepared by the WTO Secretariat, based on the Agreement on Agri culture between Albania and Switz erland (AA) and on Switzerland Notification of imports  under tariff quotas for 
the calendar year 2010 (See G/AG/N/C HE/57, dated 1 February 2012). 
 
13. In addition, for two product lines (Olive oil - for human consum ption), Switzerland opened a specific bilateral TRQ, through wh ich customs duties 
are eliminated "within a tariff quota of 500 tons/year".  Th ese additional, bilateral, TRQs can be summarized as follows: 
Table AII.2 
Summary of Specific bilateral TRQs referred to in Swit zerland Schedule of tariff  concessions (column 6) 
Description (HS) Tariff Classification  Annual  quo ta quantity Preferential in quota rate Note  
Olive oil and its fraction (in glass containers holding not 
more than 2 litres)   15091091 500 tons/year 0 For human consumption 
Olive oil and its fraction (other)   15099091 500 tons/year 0 Seasonal TRQ (from September 16 to July 14) 
 
Source: Prepared by the WTO Secretariat, based on the Agreement on Agri culture between Albania and Switz erland (AA) and on Switzerland Notification of imports  under tariff quotas for 
the calendar year 2010 (See G/AG/N/C HE/57, dated 1 February 2012). 
 
__________