AGREEMENT ON MUTUAL RECOGNITION 

BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

AND 

THE EEA EFTA STATES
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Framework 2 

2. Telecommunications Equipment 14 

 

3. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) 27 

4. Recreational Craft 38 

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AGREEMENT ON MUTUAL RECOGNITION 

BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND 

THE EEA EFTA STATES 

The United States of America, on the one hand, and the Republic of Iceland, the 

Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway, on the other, 

CONSIDERING the traditional links of friendship that exist between the United 

States of America (the United States) and the EEA EFTA States; 

DESIRING to facilitate bilateral trade between them; 

RECOGNIZING that mutual recognition of conformity assessment activities is an 

important means of enhancing market access between the United States and the 

EEA EFTA States; 

RECOGNIZING that an agreement providing for mutual recognition of 

conformity assessment activities is of particular interest to small and mediumsized businesses in the United States and the EEA EFTA States;

RECOGNIZING that any such mutual recognition also requires confidence in the 

continued reliability of the conformity assessments of the United States and the 

EEA EFTA States; 

RECOGNIZING the importance of maintaining the high levels of health, safety, 

environmental and consumer protection in the United States and the EEA EFTA 

States; 

RECOGNIZING that mutual recognition agreements can positively contribute in 

encouraging greater international harmonization of standards; 

RECOGNIZING that the Mutual Recognition Agreement between the United 

States and the European Community, and the close relationship between the 

European Community and the EEA EFTA States through the Agreement on the 

European Economic Area, enhance the benefits of a parallel mutual recognition 

agreement between the United States and the EEA EFTA States;

NOTING that this Agreement is not intended to displace private sector bilateral 

and multilateral arrangements among conformity assessment bodies or to affect 

regulatory regimes allowing for manufacturers’ self-assessments and declarations 

of conformity; 

BEARING IN MIND that the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, an 

agreement annexed to the Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization 

(WTO), encourages WTO Members to enter into negotiations for the conclusion 

of agreements for the mutual recognition of results of each other’s conformity 

assessment procedures; 

RECOGNIZING that any such mutual recognition needs to offer an assurance of 

conformity with applicable technical regulations or standards equivalent to the 

assurance offered by the Party's own procedures; 

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RECOGNIZING the need to conclude an Agreement on Mutual Recognition 

(MRA) in the field of conformity assessment with sectoral annexes; and 

BEARING IN MIND the respective commitments of the Parties under bilateral, 

regional and multilateral environment, health, safety and consumer protection 

agreements, 

Have agreed as follows: 

Article 1

DEFINITIONS 

1. The following terms and definitions shall apply to this Agreement only: 

 - Party means the United States, the Republic of Iceland, the 

 Principality of Liechtenstein, or the Kingdom of Norway, as the case 

may 

 be. 

- EEA EFTA States means those members of the European Free Trade 

Association that are Parties to the Agreement on the European Economic 

Area (EEA), i.e., the Republic of Iceland, the Principality of 

Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway. 

- Side means the United States or the EEA EFTA States, as the case may 

be. 

- Designating Authority means a body with power to designate, monitor, 

suspend, remove suspension of, or withdraw conformity assessment 

bodies as specified under this Agreement. 

- Designation means the identification by a Designating Authority of a 

conformity assessment body to perform conformity assessment 

procedures under this Agreement. 

- Regulatory Authority means a government agency or entity that 

exercises a legal right to control the use or sale of products within a 

Party’s jurisdiction, and may take enforcement action to ensure that 

products marketed within its jurisdiction comply with legal requirements. 

2. Other terms concerning conformity assessment used in this Agreement shall 

have the meaning given elsewhere in this Agreement or in the definitions 

contained in Guide 2 (1996 edition) of the International Organization for 

Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission 

(IEC). In the event of an inconsistency between ISO/IEC Guide 2 and 

definitions in this Agreement, the definitions in this Agreement shall prevail. 

Article 2

PURPOSE OF THE AGREEMENT

This Agreement specifies the conditions by which the United States, on the one 

hand, and the EEA EFTA States, on the other hand, will accept or recognize 

results of conformity assessment procedures, produced by the conformity 

assessment bodies or authorities of the other side, in assessing conformity to an 

importing Party’s requirements, as specified on a sector-specific basis in the 

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Sectoral Annexes, and to provide for other related cooperative activities. The 

objective of such mutual recognition is to provide effective market access between 

the United States and the EEA EFTA States with regard to conformity assessment 

for all products covered under this Agreement. If any obstacles to such access 

arise, consultations will promptly be held. In the absence of a satisfactory 

outcome of such consultations, the side alleging its market access has been 

denied, may, within 90 days of such consultation, invoke its right to terminate the 

Agreement in its entirety, or any individual Sectoral Annex thereof, in accordance 

with Article 21. 

Article 3 

GENERAL OBLIGATIONS 

1. The United States shall, as specified in the Sectoral Annexes, accept or 

recognize results of specified procedures, used in assessing conformity to 

specified legislative, regulatory, and administrative provisions of the United 

States, produced by designated conformity assessment bodies and/or 

authorities in the EEA EFTA States. 

2. The EEA EFTA States shall, as specified in the Sectoral Annexes, accept or 

recognize results of specified procedures, used in assessing conformity to 

specified legislative, regulatory and administrative provisions of the EEA 

EFTA States, produced by designated conformity assessment bodies and/or 

authorities in the United States.

3. Where sectoral transition arrangements have been specified in Sectoral 

Annexes, the above obligations will apply following the successful 

completion of those sectoral transition arrangements, with the understanding 

that the conformity assessment procedures utilized assure conformity to the 

satisfaction of the importing Party, with applicable legislative, regulatory and 

administrative provisions of that Party, equivalent to the assurance offered by 

the importing Party’s own procedures. 

Article 4 

GENERAL COVERAGE OF THE AGREEMENT 

1. This Agreement applies to conformity assessment procedures for products 

and/or processes and to other related cooperative activities as described in 

this Agreement. 

2. Sectoral Annexes may include: 

a) a description of the relevant legislative, regulatory and administrative 

provisions pertaining to the conformity assessment procedures and 

technical regulations; 

b) a statement on the product scope and coverage; 

c) a list of Designating Authorities; 

d) a list of agreed conformity assessment bodies or authorities or a source 

from which to obtain a list of such bodies or authorities and a statement 

of the scope of the conformity assessment procedures for which each has 

been agreed; 

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e) the procedures and criteria for designating the conformity assessment 

bodies; 

f) a description of the mutual recognition obligations; 

g) a sectoral transition arrangement; 

h) the identity of a sectoral contact point in each Party’s territory; and 

i) a statement regarding the establishment of a Joint Sectoral Committee. 

3. This Agreement shall not be construed to entail mutual acceptance of 

standards or technical regulations of the Parties and, unless otherwise 

specified in a Sectoral Annex, shall not entail the mutual recognition of the 

equivalence of standards or technical regulations. 

Article 5

TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

Each Party shall implement the transitional commitments on confidence building 

as specified in the Sectoral Annexes. 

1. Each sectoral transitional arrangement shall specify a time period for 

completion. 

2. The Parties may amend any transitional arrangement by mutual agreement 

through a decision of the Joint Committee. 

3. Passage from the transitional phase to the operational phase shall proceed as 

specified in each Sectoral Annex, unless either side, documents that the 

conditions provided in such Sectoral Annex for a successful transition are not 

met. 

Article 6 

DESIGNATING AUTHORITIES 

Each Party shall ensure that the Designating Authorities specified in the Sectoral 

Annexes have the power and competence in their respective territories to carry 

out decisions under this Agreement to designate, monitor, suspend, remove 

suspension of, or withdraw conformity assessment bodies. 

Article 7

DESIGNATION AND LISTING PROCEDURES 

The following procedures shall apply with regard to the designation of conformity 

assessment bodies and the inclusion of such bodies in the list of conformity 

assessment bodies in a Sectoral Annex: 

a) The Designating Authority identified in a Sectoral Annex shall designate 

conformity assessment bodies in accordance with the procedures and 

criteria set forth in that Sectoral Annex; 

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b) A Party proposing to add a conformity assessment body to the list of 

such bodies in a Sectoral Annex shall forward its proposal of one or 

more designated conformity assessment bodies in writing to the other 

side with a view to a decision by the Joint Committee; 

c) Within 60 days following receipt of the proposal, the other side shall 

indicate its position regarding either its confirmation or its opposition. 

Upon confirmation through a decision by the Joint Committee, the 

inclusion in the Sectoral Annex of the proposed conformity assessment 

body or bodies shall take effect; 

d) In the event that the other side contests on the basis of documented 

evidence the technical competence or compliance of a proposed 

conformity assessment body, or indicates in writing that it requires an 

additional 30 days to more fully verify such evidence, such conformity 

assessment body shall not be included on the list of conformity 

assessment bodies in the applicable Sectoral Annex. In this instance, the 

Joint Committee may decide that the body concerned be verified. After 

the completion of such verification, the proposal to list the conformity 

assessment body in the Sectoral Annex may be resubmitted to the other 

side.

Article 8

SUSPENSION OF LISTED CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES 

The following procedures shall apply with regard to the suspension of a 

conformity 

assessment body listed in a Sectoral Annex: 

a) One side shall notify the other of its contestation of the technical 

competence or compliance of a conformity assessment body listed in a 

Sectoral Annex and its intent to suspend such conformity assessment 

body. Such contestation shall be exercised when justified in an objective 

and reasoned manner in writing to the other side; 

b) The conformity assessment body shall be given prompt notice by the 

other side and an opportunity to present information in order to refute 

the contestation or to correct the deficiencies which form the basis of the 

contestation; 

c) The Parties shall discuss any such contestation in the relevant Joint 

Sectoral Committee. If there is no Joint Sectoral Committee, the 

contesting side shall refer the matter directly to the Joint Committee. If 

agreement to suspend is reached by the Joint Sectoral Committee or, if 

there is no Joint Sectoral Committee, by the Joint Committee, the 

conformity assessment body shall be suspended; 

d) Where the Joint Sectoral Committee or Joint Committee decides that 

verification of technical competence or compliance is required, it shall 

normally be carried out in a timely manner by the Party in whose 

territory the body in question is located, but may be carried out jointly by 

the Parties in justified cases; 

e) If the matter has not been resolved by the Joint Sectoral Committee 

within 10 days of the notice of contestation, the matter shall be referred 

to the Joint Committee for a decision. If there is no Joint Sectoral 

Committee, the matter shall be referred directly to the Joint Committee. 

6
If no decision is reached by the Joint Committee within 10 days of the 

referral to it, the conformity assessment body shall be suspended upon 

the request of the contesting side; 

f) Upon the suspension of a conformity assessment body listed in a Sectoral 

Annex, the contesting side is no longer obligated to accept or recognize

the results of conformity assessment procedures performed by that 

conformity assessment body subsequent to suspension. However, it shall 

continue to accept the results of conformity assessment procedures 

performed by that conformity assessment body prior to suspension, 

unless a Regulatory Authority of that side decides otherwise based on 

health, safety or environmental considerations or failure to satisfy other 

requirements within the scope of the applicable Sectoral Annex; and 

g) The suspension shall remain in effect until agreement has been reached 

by the Joint Committee with respect to the future status of that 

conformity assessment body. 

Article 9

WITHDRAWAL OF LISTED CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES

The following procedures shall apply with regard to the withdrawal from a 

Sectoral Annex of a conformity assessment body: 

a) A side proposing to withdraw a conformity assessment body listed in a 

Sectoral Annex shall forward its proposal in writing to the other side; 

b) Such conformity assessment body shall be promptly notified by the Party 

in whose territory the body is located and shall be provided a period of at 

least 30 days from receipt to provide information in order to refute or to 

correct the deficiencies which form the basis of the proposed withdrawal; 

c) Within 60 days following receipt of the proposal, the other side shall 

indicate its position regarding either its confirmation or its opposition. 

Upon confirmation through a decision by the Joint Committee, the 

withdrawal from the list in the Sectoral Annex of the conformity 

assessment body shall take effect; 

d) In the event that the other side opposes the proposal to withdraw by 

supporting the technical competence and compliance of its conformity 

assessment body, the conformity assessment body shall not at that time 

be withdrawn from the list of conformity assessment bodies in the 

applicable Sectoral Annex. In this instance, the Joint Sectoral 

Committee or the Joint Committee may decide to carry out a joint 

verification of the body concerned. After the completion of such 

verification, the proposal for withdrawal of the conformity assessment 

body may be resubmitted to the other side; and 

e) Subsequent to the withdrawal of a conformity assessment body listed in a 

Sectoral Annex, the contesting side shall continue to accept the results of 

conformity assessment procedures performed by that conformity 

assessment body prior to withdrawal, unless a Regulatory Authority of 

that side decides otherwise based on health, safety and environmental 

considerations or failure to satisfy other requirements within the scope of 

the applicable Sectoral Annex. 

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Article 10 

MONITORING OF CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES

The following shall apply with regard to the monitoring of conformity assessment 

bodies listed in a Sectoral Annex: 

a) Designating Authorities shall assure that their conformity assessment 

bodies listed in a Sectoral Annex are capable and remain capable of 

properly assessing conformity of products or processes, as applicable, 

and as covered in the applicable Sectoral Annex. In this regard, 

Designating Authorities shall maintain, or cause to maintain, ongoing 

surveillance over their conformity assessment bodies by means of regular 

audit or assessment; 

b) The two sides undertake to compare methods used to verify that the 

conformity assessment bodies listed in the Sectoral Annexes comply 

with the relevant requirements of the Sectoral Annexes. Existing 

systems for the evaluation of conformity assessment bodies may be used 

as part of such comparison procedures; 

c) A Designating Authority shall consult as necessary with its 

counterpart(s), to ensure the maintenance of confidence in conformity 

assessment procedures. With the consent of each Party concerned, this 

consultation may include joint participation in audits/inspections related 

to conformity assessment activities or other assessments of conformity 

assessment bodies listed in a Sectoral Annex; and 

d) Designating Authorities shall consult, as necessary, with the relevant 

Regulatory Authorities of the other side to ensure that all technical 

requirements are identified and are satisfactorily addressed. 

Article 11

CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES 

The United States and the EEA EFTA States recognize that the conformity 

assessment bodies listed in the Sectoral Annexes fulfill the conditions of 

eligibility to assess conformity in relation to their respective requirements as 

specified in the Sectoral Annexes, and they shall specify the scope of the 

conformity assessment procedures for which such bodies are listed. 

Article 12

EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION 

1. The two sides shall exchange information concerning the implementation of 

the legislative, regulatory, and administrative provisions identified in the 

Sectoral Annexes. 

2. Each side shall notify the other of legislative, regulatory and administrative 

changes related to the subject matter of this Agreement at least 60 days 

before their entry into force. Where considerations of safety, health or 

environmental protection require more urgent action, a side shall notify the 

other side as soon as practicable. 

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3. Each side shall promptly notify the other of any changes to its Designating 

Authorities and/or conformity assessment bodies. 

4. The two sides shall exchange information concerning the procedures used to 

ensure that the listed conformity assessment bodies under their responsibility 

comply with the legislative, regulatory, and administrative provisions 

outlined in the Sectoral Annexes. 

5. Regulatory Authorities identified in the Sectoral Annexes shall consult as 

necessary with their counterparts, to ensure the maintenance of confidence in 

conformity assessment procedures and to ensure that all technical 

requirements are identified and are satisfactorily addressed. 

Article 13

SECTORAL CONTACT POINTS

Each Party shall appoint and confirm in writing contact points to be responsible 

for activities under each Sectoral Annex. 

Article 14

JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE PARTIES 

1. The Parties hereby establish a Joint Committee consisting of representatives 

of each Party. The Joint Committee shall be responsible for the effective 

functioning of the Agreement. 

2. The Joint Committee may establish Joint Sectoral Committees comprised of 

appropriate Regulatory Authorities and others deemed necessary. 

3. Each side shall each have one vote in the Joint Committee. The Joint 

Committee shall make its decisions by unanimous consent. The Joint 

Committee shall determine its own rules and procedures. 

4. The Joint Committee may consider any matter relating to the effective 

functioning of this Agreement. In particular it shall be responsible for: 

a) listing, suspension, withdrawal and verification of conformity assessment 

bodies in accordance with this Agreement; 

b) amending transitional arrangements in Sectoral Annexes; 

c) resolving any questions relating to the application of this Agreement and 

its Sectoral Annexes not otherwise resolved in the respective Joint 

Sectoral Committees; 

d) providing a forum for discussion of issues that may arise concerning the 

implementation of this Agreement; 

e) considering ways to enhance the operation of this Agreement; 

f) coordinating the negotiation of additional Sectoral Annexes; and 

g) considering whether to amend this Agreement or its Sectoral Annexes in 

accordance with Article 21. 

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5. When either side introduces new or additional conformity assessment 

procedures affecting a Sectoral Annex, the Parties shall discuss the matter in 

the Joint Committee with a view to bringing such new or additional 

procedures within the scope of this Agreement and the relevant Sectoral 

Annex. 

Article 15 

PRESERVATION OF REGULATORY AUTHORITY

1. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to limit the authority of a Party 

to determine, through its legislative, regulatory and administrative measures, 

the level of protection it considers appropriate for safety; for protection of 

human, animal, or plant life or health; for the environment; for consumers; 

and otherwise with regard to risks within the scope of the applicable Sectoral 

Annex. 

2. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to limit the authority of a 

Regulatory Authority to take all appropriate and immediate measures 

whenever it ascertains that a product may: (a) compromise the health or 

safety of persons in its territory; (b) not meet the legislative, regulatory, or 

administrative provisions within the scope of the applicable Sectoral Annex; 

or (c) otherwise fail to satisfy a requirement within the scope of the 

applicable Sectoral Annex. Such measures may include withdrawing the 

products from the market, prohibiting their placement on the market, 

restricting their free movement, initiating a product recall, and preventing the 

recurrence of such problems, including through a prohibition on imports. If 

the Regulatory Authority takes such action, it shall inform its counterpart 

authority(ies) and the other side within fifteen days of taking such action, 

providing its reasons. 

Article 16

SUSPENSION OF RECOGNITION OBLIGATIONS 

Either side may suspend its obligations under a particular Sectoral Annex, in 

whole or in part, if: 

a) it suffers a loss of market access for its products within the scope of the 

Sectoral Annex as a result of the failure of the other side to fulfill its 

obligations under the Agreement; 

b) the adoption of new or additional conformity assessment procedures, as 

referenced in Article 14(5), by the other side results in a loss of market access 

for its products within the scope of the Sectoral Annex because conformity 

assessment bodies designated by it in order to meet such requirements have 

not been recognized by the other side; or 

c) the other side fails to maintain legal and regulatory authorities capable of 

implementing the provisions of this Agreement. 

Article 17

CONFIDENTIALITY

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1. Each Party shall maintain, to the extent allowed under its laws, the 

confidentiality of information exchanged under this Agreement. 

2. In particular, no Party shall disclose to the public, nor permit a conformity 

assessment body to disclose to the public, information exchanged under this 

Agreement that constitutes trade secrets, confidential commercial or financial 

information, or information that relates to an ongoing investigation. 

3. A Party or a conformity assessment body may, upon exchanging information 

with the other side or with a conformity assessment body of the other side, 

designate the portions of the information that it considers to be exempt from 

disclosure. 

4. Each Party shall take all precautions reasonably necessary to protect 

information exchanged under this Agreement from unauthorized disclosure. 

Article 18

FEES 

Each Party shall endeavor to ensure that fees imposed for services under this 

Agreement shall be commensurate with the services provided. Each Party shall 

ensure that, for the sectors and conformity assessment procedures covered under 

this Agreement, it shall charge no fees with respect to conformity assessment 

services provided by the other side. 

Article 19

AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES 

Except where there is written agreement between the two sides, obligations 

contained in mutual recognition agreements concluded by a Party with a party not 

a signatory to this Agreement (a third party) shall have no force and effect with 

regard to the other side in terms of acceptance of the results of conformity 

assessment procedures in the third party. 

Article 20

TERRITORIAL APPLICATION 

This Agreement shall apply, on the one hand, to the territories of the EEA EFTA 

States, and, on the other hand, to the territory of the United States. 

Article 21

ENTRY INTO FORCE, AMENDMENT, WITHDRAWAL AND 

TERMINATION 

1. This Agreement, including its Sectoral Annexes on Telecommunications 

Equipment, Electromagnetic Compatibility and Recreational Craft, shall 

enter into force on the first day of the second month following the date on 

which the Depositary has received notices from all Parties confirming the 

completion of their respective procedures for the entry into force of this 

Agreement. 

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2. The Parties may amend this Agreement, including the Sectoral Annexes, 

through a signed, written decision of the Joint Committee. The Parties may 

add a Sectoral Annex to this Agreement by notifying the Depositary of their 

approval of any proposed additional Sectoral Annex. Such Annex shall enter 

into force on the first day of the second month following the date on which 

the Depositary has received notices from all Parties confirming the 

completion of their respective procedures for the entry into force of such 

Annex. 

3. Any Party may withdraw from this Agreement in its entirety or from any 

individual Sectoral Annex thereof by giving the other Parties six months 

notice in writing. If an EEA EFTA State withdraws from this Agreement or 

from one or more Sectoral Annexes, the remaining Parties will seek to amend 

this Agreement, in accordance with the procedures in this Article. If the 

remaining Parties cannot agree on an amendment to the Agreement or 

Sectoral Annex, the Agreement or Sectoral Annex shall terminate six months 

from the date of notice. 

4. Following termination of the Agreement in its entirety or any individual 

Sectoral Annex thereof, a Party shall continue to accept the results of 

conformity assessment procedures performed by conformity assessment 

bodies under this Agreement prior to termination, unless a Regulatory 

Authority of that Party decides otherwise based on health, safety and 

environmental considerations or failure to satisfy other requirements within 

the scope of the applicable Sectoral Annex. 

Article 22 

DEPOSITARY 

The Government of the Kingdom of Norway, acting as Depositary, shall notify 

all Parties of the completion by all Parties of their respective procedures for the 

entry into force of this Agreement or any new Sectoral Annexes. 

Article 23

FINAL PROVISIONS 

1. The Sectoral Annexes referred to in Article 21(1), as well as any new 

Sectoral Annexes added pursuant to Article 21(2), shall form an integral part 

of this Agreement. 

2. For a given product or sector, the provisions contained in the relevant 

Sectoral Annexes shall apply in the first place, and the provisions of this text 

in addition to those provisions. In the case of any inconsistency between the 

provisions of a Sectoral Annex and this text, the Sectoral Annex shall prevail, 

to the extent of that inconsistency. 

3. This Agreement shall not affect the rights and obligations of the Parties under 

any other international agreement. 

This Agreement and the Sectoral Annexes are drawn up in four originals in the 

English language. 

12
Done at Washington, this 17th day of October, 2005: 

For the Republic of Iceland 

....................................... 

For the Principality of Liechtenstein 

....................................... 

For the Kingdom of Norway 

....................................... 

For the United States of America 

....................................... 

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US - EEA EFTA MRA Telecommunications Equipment Annex 

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EEA EFTA States- U.S. MRA 

SECTORAL ANNEX 

FOR 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

PREAMBLE

This Annex constitutes a Sectoral Annex to the Agreement on Mutual Recognition 

Between the United States of America and the EEA EFTA States.

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SECTION I 

LEGISLATIVE, REGULATORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS 

 EEA EFTA States United States 

EEA Agreement, Annex II, Chapter XVIII, 

point 4 zg: 

Directive 1999/5/EC of the European 

Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 

1999 on radio equipment and 

telecommunications terminal equipment 

and the mutual recognition of their 

conformity.

Communication Act of 1934, as amended by 

the Telecommunication Act of 1996, (Title 

47 of the United States Code), 

the U.S. regulatory and administrative 

provisions in respect of telecommunications 

equipment, including 47 CFR Part 68, and 

FCC interpretation thereof; 

(The Parties recognize that the FCC Form 

730 Application Guide provides useful 

guidelines for the implementation of 

conformity assessment procedures for 

telecommunications terminal equipment 

falling within these regulations.); 

The U.S. regulatory and administrative 

provisions in respect of all radio transmitters 

subject to an equipment authorization 

requirement. A non-exclusive list of FCC 

regulations are contained in Section II; 

For electromagnetic compatibility aspects, 

see Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) 

Sectoral Annex to the Agreement. 

SECTION II 

SCOPE AND COVERAGE 

1. This Sectoral Annex shall apply to equipment, interfaces, and services 

subject to Section I. In general terms the provisions of this Sectoral Annex 

shall apply to the following types of telecommunications terminal equipment, 

satellite terminal equipment, radio transmitters, and information technology 

equipment: 

 (a) equipment intended for connection to the public telecommunications 

network in order to send, process or receive information, whether the 

equipment is to be connected directly to the “termination” of the 

network or to inter-work with such a network, being connected 

directly or indirectly to the termination point. The system of 

connection may be wire, radio, optical or other electro-magnetic 

means; 

 (b) equipment capable of being connected to a public telecommunications 

network even if it is not its intended purpose, including information 

technology equipment having a communication port; and 

 (c) all radio transmitters subject to an equipment authorization procedure 

by each Party. 

2. The following is a non-exclusive list of the equipment, interfaces, and 

services included within the scope of this Sectoral Annex: 

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SCOPE AND COVERAGE 

 EEA EFTA States United States 

U.S. access to the EEA EFTA market 

The following equipment categories 

are included : 

ISDN Basic Rate Access 

ISDN Primary Rate Access 

ISDN Telephony 

X21/V.24/V.35 Access 

X25 Access 

PSTN Non-Voice 

PSTN Voice Band (Analog) 

ONP Leased Line Terminal types : 

-64 kbits/sec 

-2048 kbits/s unstructured 

-2048 kbits/s structured 

-34 Mbits/s access 

-140 Mbits/s access 

-2 wire analogue 

-4 wire analogue 

Radio transmitters subject to an 

equipment authorization requirement, 

including: 

(To be provided by the EEA EFTA 

States) 

Equipment listed in directive 1999/5: 

http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/rtt

e/equip.htm 

EEA EFTA access to the U.S. market 

Equipment categories covered under 47 CFR Part 

68, including: 

ISDN Basic Access 

ISDN Primary Rate Access 

Digital Service Access : 

 2.4 kbps 

 3.2 kbps (2.4 kbps with Secondary Channel) 

 4.8 kbps 

 6.4 kbps (4.8 kbps with SC) 

 9.6 kbps 

12.8 kbps (9.6 kbps with SC) 

19.2 kbps 

25.0 kbps (19.2 kbps with SC) 

56.0 kbps 

64.0 kbps (uses 72 kbps channel) 

72.0 kbps (56.0 kbps with SC) 

1.544 Mbps 

2 wires analog tie trunks/ops 

4 wire analog tie trunks/ops 

PSTN Voice Band (Analog) Access 

Private Line (Analog) Access 

Radio transmitters subject to an equipment 

authorization requirement, including: 

Commercial Mobile Radio (Part 20) 

Domestic Public Fixed (Part 21) 

Domestic Mobile (Part 22) 

Personal Communication Service (Part 24) 

Satellite Communications (Part 25) 

Broadcast (Part 73) 

Auxiliary Broadcast (Part 74) 

Cable Television Radio (Part 78) 

Maritime (Part 80) 

GMDSS (Part 80W) 

Private Land Mobile (Part 90) 

Private-Fixed Microwave (Part 94) 

Personal Radio Services (Part 95) 

IVDS (Part 95 F) 

Amateur Radio (Part 97) 

Radio Frequency Devices (Part 15) 

Fixed Microwave Services (Part 101) 

Note: A list of acronyms and a glossary is contained in Appendix 1 to this Sectoral Annex. 

* * * * * 

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US - EEA EFTA MRA Telecommunications Equipment Annex 

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SECTION III 

CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES

FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

1. Description of Mutual Recognition Obligations 

In accordance with the provisions of the Agreement, the results of the conformity 

assessment procedures produced by a Party’s conformity assessment bodies listed in 

Section V shall be recognized by the Regulatory Authorities of the other side without 

any further conformity assessment of the products, pursuant to Section I. 

2. Conformity Assessment Procedures 

Taking into account the legislative, regulatory, and administrative provisions as 

identified in Section I, each side recognizes that the conformity assessment bodies of 

the other side, listed in Section V, are authorized to perform the following 

procedures with regard to an importing Party’s technical requirements for 

telecommunications terminal equipment, satellite terminal equipment, radio 

transmitters or information technology equipment: 

a) testing and issuing of test reports; 

b) issuing certificates of conformity to the requirements of the laws and 

regulations applicable in the territories of the Parties for products 

covered under this Sectoral Annex; and 

 c) performing quality assurance certification pursuant to Council 

Directive 1999/5/EC (EEA Agreement, Annex II, Chapter XVIII, 

point 4). 

 d) prescription of radio tests to be performed pursuant to annexes III and 

IV of Directive 1999/5/EC (EEA Agreement, Annex II, Chapter 

XVIII, point 4). 

 e) issuing of an opinion on a technical file pursuant to annex IV of 

Directive 1999/5/EC (EEA Agreement, Annex II, Chapter XVIII, 

point 4). 

* * * * * 

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SECTION IV 

AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGNATING THE 

CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES LISTED IN SECTION V 

EEA EFTA STATES United States 

Iceland: 

Ministry of Transportation 

Liechtenstein: 

Government of Liechtenstein1

Norway: 

Ministry of Transport and Communications 

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (NIST) 

AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROVING THE CONFORMITY 

ASSESSMENT BODIES LISTED IN SECTION V 

EEA EFTA STATES United States 

Iceland: 

Post and Telecommunication 

Administration 

Liechtenstein: 

Office of National Economy 

Norway: 

Norwegian Post and Telecommunications 

Authority

Federal Communications Commission 

(FCC)

* * * * * 

 

1

 The Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein is entitled to appoint appropriate specific 

national administration bodies as designators of conformity assessment bodies at a future date. 

18 
US - EEA EFTA MRA Telecommunications Equipment Annex 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

SECTION V 

CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES

 EEA EFTA STATES United States 

EEA EFTA access to the U.S. market 

Conformity assessment bodies located in 

the EEA EFTA States shall be designated 

by the Authorities identified in Section 

IV following the procedures set out in 

Section VI of this Annex. 

(to be provided by the EEA EFTA States) 

U.S. access to the EEA EFTA market 

Conformity assessment bodies located 

in the United States shall be designated 

by the Authorities identified in Section 

IV following the procedures set out in 

Section VI of this Annex. 

(to be provided by the United States) 

* * * * * 

19 
US - EEA EFTA MRA Telecommunications Equipment Annex 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

SECTION VI 

DESIGNATING, LISTING, SUSPENDING, WITHDRAWING AND 

MONITORING CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES LISTED IN 

SECTION V 

 EEA EFTA STATES United States 

EEA EFTA access to the U.S. market: 

Authorities in the EEA EFTA States 

identified in Section IV shall designate 

conformity assessment bodies located in 

the EEA EFTA States in accordance 

with the U.S. legislative, regulatory, and 

administrative provisions identified in 

Section I that govern designation of 

conformity assessment bodies, based on 

compliance with the appropriate 

ISO/IEC Guides (e.g. Guide 22, 25, 28, 

58, 61, 62, 65, etc.) or the comparable 

EN-45000 Series Standards. 

Procedures for designating, listing, 

suspending, withdrawing, and 

monitoring a conformity assessment 

body listed in Section V shall be 

undertaken pursuant to Articles 7, 8, 9, 

and 10 of the Agreement. 

U.S. access to the EEA EFTA market: 

U.S. Authorities identified in Section IV 

shall designate conformity assessment 

bodies located in the United States in 

accordance with the EEA EFTA States’ 

legislative, regulatory, and 

administrative provisions identified in 

Section I that govern designation of 

conformity assessment bodies, based on 

compliance with the appropriate 

EN-45000 Series Standards or the 

comparable ISO/IEC Guides (e.g. Guide 

22, 25, 28, 58, 61, 62, 65, etc.). 

Procedures for designating, listing, 

suspending, withdrawing, and 

monitoring a conformity assessment 

body listed in Section V shall be 

undertaken pursuant to Articles 7, 8, 9, 

and 10 of the Agreement. 

* * * * * 

20 
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_________________________________________________________________________________ 

SECTION VII 

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS 

1. SUB - CONTRACTING 

 1.1 Any sub-contracting by conformity assessment bodies of one side shall be in 

accordance with the sub-contracting requirements of the other side. 

Notwithstanding the use of sub-contracting, the final results of conformity 

assessment remain the full responsibility of the listed conformity assessment 

body. In the EEA EFTA States, these requirements are described in Council 

Decision 93/465/EEC (EEA Agreement, Annex II, Chapter XIX, point 3d as 

inserted by Decision No 7/94). 

 1.2 The conformity assessment bodies shall record and retain details of their 

investigation of the competence and compliance of their subcontractors and 

maintain a register of all sub-contracting. These details will be made 

available to the other side on request. 

2. POST-MARKET SURVEILLANCE, BORDER MEASURES AND INTERNAL 

MOVEMENT 

 2.1 For the purpose of post-market surveillance, the Parties may maintain any 

existing labeling and numbering requirements. The assignment of the 

numbers may take place in the territory of the exporting Party. The numbers 

will be allocated by the importing Party. Numbering and labeling systems 

shall not introduce additional requirements within the meaning of this 

Sectoral Annex. 

 2.2 Nothing in this Sectoral Annex shall prevent the Parties from removing 

products from the market that do not in fact conform to the requirements for 

approval. 

 2.3 Border inspections and checks of products which have been certified, labeled 

or marked as conforming with the importing Party's requirements specified in 

Section I shall be completed as expeditiously as possible. With regard to any 

inspections related to internal movement within their respective territories, 

these shall be completed in no less a favorable manner than for like-domestic 

goods. 

3. JOINT SECTORAL COMMITTEE 

 3.1 A combined Joint Sectoral Committee for this Sectoral Annex and the EMC 

Sectoral Annex is hereby established (the JSC). The JSC shall operate during 

the transitional period and after completion of the transitional arrangement. 

The JSC shall meet as appropriate to discuss technical, conformity 

assessment and technology issues relating to this Sectoral Annex and the 

EMC Sectoral Annex. The JSC shall determine its own rules of procedure. 

 3.2 The JSC consists of representatives of the United States and the EEA EFTA 

States for telecommunications and EMC. JSC representatives may each 

invite manufacturers and other entities as deemed necessary. The 

representatives for the United States shall have one vote in the JSC. The 

representatives of the EEA EFTA States shall have one vote in the JSC. 

Decisions of the JSC shall be made by unanimous consent. In the event of 

disagreement, the representatives of the United States or the EEA EFTA 

States may raise the matter in the Joint Committee. 

21 
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_________________________________________________________________________________ 

 3.3 The JSC may address any matter related to the effective functioning of this 

Sectoral Annex, including: 

a) providing a forum for discussion of issues and resolving 

problems that may arise concerning the implementation of this 

Sectoral Annex; 

b) developing a mechanism for ensuring consistency of 

interpretations of legislation, regulations, standards, and 

conformity assessment procedures; 

c) advising the Parties on matters relating to this Sectoral Annex; 

and 

d) providing guidance and, if necessary, developing guidelines 

during the transitional period to facilitate the successful 

completion of the transitional period. 

4. CONTACT POINT 

Each Party shall establish a contact point to provide answers to all reasonable 

inquiries from the other side regarding procedures, regulations, and complaints under 

this Sectoral Annex. 

EEA EFTA Contact points U.S. Contact point 

Iceland: 

Loggildingarstofa 

Borgartúni 21 

105 Reykjavík 

Iceland 

Tel. +354 510 1100 

Fax. +354 510 1101 

www.ls.is

Liechtenstein: 

Office of National Economy 

Gerberweg 5 

FL-9490 Vaduz 

Liechtenstein 

Tel. +423 236 68 71 

Fax. +423 236 68 89 

www.avw.llv.li

Norway: 

Norwegian Post and Telecommunications 

Authority 

Postboks 447 Sentrum 

0104 Oslo 

Norway 

Tel. +47 22 82 46 00 

Fax. +47 22 82 46 40 

www.npt.no

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 

7435 Oakland Mills Road 

Columbia, MD 21046 

Tel: 301-362-3000 

Fax: 301-362-3290 

www.fcc.gov

5. REGULATORY CHANGES AND UPDATING THE SECTORAL ANNEX 

In the event that there are changes to the legislative, regulatory, and administrative 

provisions referenced in Section I or the introduction of new legislative, regulatory, 

and administrative provisions affecting a Party’s conformity assessment procedures 

under the Agreement, such changes shall take effect for the purpose of this Sectoral 

22 
US - EEA EFTA MRA Telecommunications Equipment Annex 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

Annex at the same time they take effect domestically within the territory of that 

Party. The Parties shall update this Sectoral Annex to reflect the changes. 

* * * * * 

23 
US - EEA EFTA MRA Telecommunications Equipment Annex 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

SECTION VIII 

TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENT

1. There shall be a transitional period of one month.

2. The purpose of this transitional arrangement is to provide a means whereby each 

side can build confidence in and an understanding of the other's systems for 

designating and listing conformity assessment bodies and in the ability of these 

bodies to test and certify products. Successful completion of the transitional 

arrangement should result in the determination that conformity assessment 

bodies listed in Section V comply with the applicable criteria and are competent 

to conduct conformity assessment activities on behalf of the importing Party. 

Upon completion of the transition period, the results of conformity assessment 

procedures performed by one side’s conformity assessment bodies listed in 

Section V shall be accepted by the other side. 

3. During this transitional period, the two sides shall: 

 a) consider new legislative changes needed to support the objectives of the 

 Agreement; 

 b) initiate regulatory changes needed to support the objectives of the 

 Agreement; 

 c) exchange information on and develop better understanding of their 

respective regulatory requirements; 

 d) develop mutually agreed mechanisms for exchanging information on 

changes in technical requirements or methods of designating conformity 

assessment bodies; and 

 e) monitor and evaluate the performance of the listed conformity assessment 

bodies during the transitional period. 

4. Parties may designate, list, suspend and withdraw conformity assessment bodies 

during the transitional period according to the procedures in Section VI of this 

Sectoral Annex. 

5. During the transitional period each Party shall accept and evaluate test reports 

and related documents issued by designated conformity assessment bodies of the 

other side. To this end, the importing Party shall ensure that: 

 

 a) on receipt of test reports, related documents and a first evaluation of 

conformity, the dossiers are promptly examined for completeness; 

 b) an applicant is informed in a precise and complete manner of any 

 deficiency; 

 c) any request for additional information is limited to omissions, 

inconsistencies or variances from the technical regulations or standards; 

and 

 d) procedures for assessing the conformity for equipment modified 

subsequent to a determination of compliance, are limited to procedures 

necessary to determine continued conformance.

24 
US - EEA EFTA MRA Telecommunications Equipment Annex 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

6. Each Party shall ensure that issuance of approvals, certificates, or advice to the 

applicant is given no later than six weeks from receipt of the test report and 

evaluation from designated conformity assessment bodies of the other side. 

7. Any proposal made during or at the end of the transitional period to limit the 

scope of recognition of any designated conformity assessment body or to exclude 

it from the list of bodies designated under this Sectoral Annex shall be based on 

objective criteria and documented. Any such body may apply for 

reconsideration once the necessary corrective action has been taken. To the 

extent possible, the Parties shall implement such action prior to the expiry of the 

transitional period. 

* * * * * 

25 
US - EEA EFTA MRA Telecommunications Equipment Annex 

_________________________________________________________________________________ 

APPENDIX 1 

LISTS OF ACRONYMS AND GLOSSARY

CAB Conformity Assessment Body 

CFR U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47 CFR 

EEA European Economic Area 

EC European Community 

EEC European Economic Community 

EEA EFTA European Economic Area - European Free Trade Association 

EN Norme Européenne (European Standard) 

EU European Union 

FCC Federal Communications Commission 

IEC International Electrotechnical Commission 

ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network 

ISO International Organization for Standardization 

ITU International Telecommunications Union 

MRA Mutual Recognition Agreement

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology 

OJ Official Journal (of the European Union) 

ONP Open Network Provision 

PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network 

X21 ITU-T Recommendation X21 

X25 ITU-T Recommendation X25 

* * * * * 

26 
 

US - EEA EFTA MRA Electromagnetic Compatibility Annex 

____________________________________________________________________

EEA EFTA STATES - U.S. MRA

SECTORAL ANNEX 

FOR 

ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY 

(EMC)

PREAMBLE

This Annex constitutes a Sectoral Annex to the Agreement on Mutual Recognition 

Between the United States of America and the EEA EFTA States.

27 
 

US - EEA EFTA MRA Electromagnetic Compatibility Annex 

____________________________________________________________________

SECTION I 

LEGISLATIVE, REGULATORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

 EEA EFTA STATES United States 

EEA Agreement, Annex II, Chapter X, 

point 3c), point 4 and point 6: 

Council Directive 89/336/EEC of 3 May 

1989 on the approximation of the laws of 

the Member States relating to 

electromagnetic compatibility (OJ L 139, 

23.05.1989, p. 19), as amended by 

Council Directive 92/31/EEC of 28 April 

1992 (OJ L 126, 12.5.1992, p. 11), 

Council Directive 98/13/EC of 12 

February 1998 (OJ L 74, 12.3.1998, p.1) 

and Council Directive 99/5/EC of 9 

March 1999 (OJ L 91, 7.4.1999, p.10) 

and EMC WG interpretation thereof.

For telecommunications equipment and 

radio transmitters, see also 

Telecommunications Equipment Sectoral 

Annex to the Agreement. 

Communications Act of 1934, as 

amended by the Telecommunication 

Act of 1996, (Title 47 of the United 

States Code), 

the U.S. regulatory and administrative 

provisions in respect of equipment 

subject to electromagnetic requirements 

including: 

 - 47 CFR Part 15 

 - 47 CFR Part 18, 

and FCC interpretation thereof. 

For telecommunications equipment and 

radio transmitters, see also 

Telecommunications Equipment 

Sectoral Annex to the Agreement. 

* * * * * 

SECTION II 

SCOPE AND COVERAGE 

 EEA EFTA STATES United States 

U.S. access to the EEA EFTA market:

Any product falling under the scope of 

Council Directive 89/336/EEC (EEA 

Agreement, Annex II, Chapter X, point 6). 

EEA EFTA access to the U.S. market:

Any products falling under the scope of 

47 CFR Part 15 and 18. 

* * * * * 

SECTION III 

CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES 

FOR EQUIPMENT IDENTIFIED IN SECTION II 

1. Description of Mutual Recognition Obligations 

In accordance with the provisions of the Agreement, the results of the conformity 

assessment procedures produced by a Party’s conformity assessment bodies listed in 

Section V, shall be recognized by the Regulatory Authorities of the other side 

without any further conformity assessment of the products, pursuant to Section I. 

28 
 

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____________________________________________________________________

2. Conformity Assessment Procedures 

Taking into account the legislative, regulatory, and administrative provisions as 

identified in Section I, each Party recognizes that the conformity assessment bodies 

of the other side, listed in Section V, are authorized to perform the following 

procedures with regard to an importing Party’s technical requirements for equipment 

identified in Section II: 

a) testing and issuing of test reports; 

b) issuing certificates of conformity to the requirements of the laws and 

regulations applicable in the territory of the importing Party for products 

covered under this Sectoral Annex. 

* * * * * 

29 
 

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____________________________________________________________________

SECTION IV 

AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGNATING THE 

CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES LISTED IN SECTION V 

 EEA EFTA STATES United States 

Iceland : 

Ministry of Industry and Commerce 

Liechtenstein: 

Government of Liechtenstein2

Norway: 

Ministry of Labour and Government 

Administration and Ministry of 

Transport and Communications 

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (NIST) 

AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROVING THE CONFORMITY 

ASSESSMENT BODIES LISTED IN SECTION V 

EEA EFTA STATES United States 

Iceland: 

Loggildingarstofa 

Liechtenstein: 

Office of National Economy 

Norway: 

Norwegian Post and Telecommunications 

Authority (telecommunications equipment and 

radio transmitters) 

Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency 

Planning (electrical equipment in general)

Federal Communications 

Commission (FCC)

 

2

 The Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein is entitled to appoint appropriate specific 

national administration bodies as designators of conformity assessment bodies at a future date. 

30 
 

US - EEA EFTA MRA Electromagnetic Compatibility Annex 

____________________________________________________________________

SECTION V 

CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES 

 EEA EFTA STATES United States 

EEA EFTA access to the U.S. 

market: 

Conformity assessment bodies 

located in the EEA EFTA States 

shall be designated by the 

Authorities identified in Section IV 

following the procedures set out in 

Section VI of this Annex. 

(to be provided by the EEA EFTA 

States) 

U.S. access to the EEA EFTA 

market:

Conformity assessment bodies 

located in the U.S. shall be 

designated by the Authorities 

identified in Section IV following 

the procedures set out in Section VI 

of this Annex. 

(to be provided by the United 

States) 

* * * * * 

31 
 

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____________________________________________________________________

SECTION VI 

DESIGNATING, LISTING, SUSPENDING, WITHDRAWING AND 

MONITORING CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES 

LISTED IN SECTION V

 EEA EFTA States United States 

EEA EFTA access to the U.S. market: 

Authorities in the EEA EFTA States 

identified in Section IV shall designate 

conformity assessment bodes located in 

the EEA EFTA States in accordance 

with the U.S. legislative, regulatory, 

and administrative provisions identified 

in Section I that govern designation of 

conformity assessment bodies, based 

upon compliance with the appropriate 

ISO/IEC Guides (e.g. Guide 22, 25, 28, 

58, 61, 62, 65, etc.) or the comparable 

EN-45000 Series Standards. 

Procedures for designating, listing, 

suspending, withdrawing, and 

monitoring a conformity assessment 

body listed in Section V shall be 

undertaken pursuant to Articles 7, 8, 9, 

and 10 of the Agreement. 

U.S. access to the EEA EFTA market: 

U.S. Authorities identified in Section IV 

shall designate conformity assessment 

bodies located in the United States in 

accordance with the legislative, 

regulatory, and administrative provisions 

of the EEA EFTA States identified in 

Section I that govern designation of 

conformity assessment bodies, based on 

compliance with the appropriate EN45000 Series Standards or the 

comparable ISO/IEC Guides (e.g. Guide 

22, 25, 28, 58, 61, 62, 65, etc.). 

Procedures for designating, listing, 

suspending, withdrawing, and monitoring 

a conformity assessment body listed in 

Section V shall be undertaken pursuant to 

Articles 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the Agreement. 

* * * * * 

32 
 

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____________________________________________________________________

SECTION VII 

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

1. SUB - CONTRACTING 

 1.1 Any sub-contracting by conformity assessment bodies shall be in accordance 

with the sub-contracting requirements of the importing Party. 

Notwithstanding the use of sub-contracting, the final results of conformity 

assessment remain the full responsibility of the listed conformity assessment 

body. In the EEA EFTA States, these requirements are described in Council 

Decision 93/465/EEC (EEA Agreement, Annex II, Chapter XIX, point 3d as 

inserted by Decision No 7/94). 

 1.2 The conformity assessment bodies shall record and retain details of their 

investigations of the competence and compliance of their subcontractors and 

maintain a register of all sub-contracting. These details will be available to 

the importing Party on request. 

2. POST-MARKET SURVEILLANCE, BORDER MEASURES AND 

INTERNAL MOVEMENT 

2.1 For the purpose of post-market surveillance, the Parties may maintain any 

existing labeling and numbering requirements. The assignment of the 

numbers may take place in the territory of the exporting Party. The numbers 

will be allocated by the importing Party. Numbering and labeling systems 

shall not introduce additional requirements within the meaning of this 

Sectoral Annex. 

2.2 Nothing in this Sectoral Annex shall prevent the Parties from removing 

products from the market that do not in fact conform to the requirements for 

approval. 

2.3 Border inspections and checks of products which have been certified, labeled 

or marked as conforming with the importing Party's requirements specified in 

Section I shall be completed as expeditiously as possible. With regard to any 

inspections related to internal movement within their respective territories, 

these shall be completed in no less a favorable manner than for like-domestic 

goods. 

3. JOINT SECTORAL COMMITTEE 

3.1 A combined Joint Sectoral Committee for this Sectoral Annex and the 

Telecommunications Equipment Sectoral Annex is hereby established (the 

JSC). The JSC shall operate during the transitional period and after 

completion of the transitional arrangement. The JSC shall meet as 

appropriate to discuss technical, conformity assessment and technology 

issues relating to this Sectoral Annex and the Telecommunications 

Equipment Sectoral Annex. The JSC shall determine its own rules of 

procedure. 

3.2 The JSC consists of representatives of the United States and the EEA EFTA 

States for telecommunications and EMC. JSC representatives may each 

invite manufacturers and other entities as deemed necessary. The 

representatives for the United States shall have one vote in the JSC. The 

representatives of the EEA EFTA States shall have one vote in the JSC. 

Decisions of the JSC shall be made by unanimous consent. In the event of 

disagreement either representatives of the United States or the EEA EFTA 

States may raise the matter in the Joint Committee. 

33 
 

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____________________________________________________________________

3.3 The JSC may address any matter related to the effective functioning of this 

Sectoral Annex, including: 

a) providing a forum for discussion of issues and resolving problems 

that may arise concerning the implementation of this Sectoral 

Annex; 

b) developing a mechanism for ensuring consistency of interpretations 

of legislation, regulations, standards, and conformity assessment 

procedures; 

c) advising the Parties on matters relating to this Sectoral Annex; and 

d) providing guidance and, if necessary, developing guidelines during 

the transitional period to facilitate the successful completion of the 

transitional period. 

34 
 

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____________________________________________________________________

4. CONTACT POINTS 

Each Party shall establish a contact point to provide answers to all reasonable 

inquiries from the other side regarding procedures, regulations and complaints under 

this Sectoral Annex. 

EEA EFTA Contact points U.S. Contact point 

Iceland: 

Loggildingarstofa 

Borgartúni 21 

105 Reykjavík 

Iceland 

Tel. +354 510 1100 

Fax. +354 510 1101 

www.ls.is 

Liechtenstein: 

Office of National Economy 

Gerberveg 5 

FL-9490 Vaduz 

Liechtenstein 

Tel. +423 236 68 71 

Fax. +423 236 68 89 

www.avw.llv.li

Norway: 

Norwegian Post and Telecommunications 

Authority 

Postboks 447 Sentrum 

0104 Oslo 

Norway 

Tel. +47 22 82 46 00 

Fax. +47 22 82 46 40 

www.npt.no 

Directorate for Civil Protection and 

Emergency Planning 

Postboks 2014 

3103 Tønsberg 

Norway 

Tel. +47 3341 2500 

Fax. +47 3331 0660 

www.dbe.no 

Federal Communications Commission 

(FCC) 

7435 Oakland Mills Road 

Columbia, MD 21046 

Tel: 301-362-3000 

Fax: 301-362-3290 

www.fcc.gov

5. REGULATORY CHANGES AND UPDATING THE SECTORAL ANNEX 

In the event that there are changes to the legislative, regulatory and administrative 

provisions referenced in Section I or the introduction of new legislative, regulatory 

and administrative provisions affecting a Party’s conformity assessment procedures 

under the Agreement, such changes shall take effect for the purpose of this Sectoral 

Annex at the same time they take effect domestically within the territory of that 

Party. The Parties shall update this Sectoral Annex to reflect the changes. 

35 
 

US - EEA EFTA MRA Electromagnetic Compatibility Annex 

____________________________________________________________________

SECTION VIII 

TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENT 

1. There shall be a transitional period of one month.

2. The purpose of this transitional arrangement is to provide a means whereby each 

side can build confidence in and understanding of the other’s systems for 

designating and listing conformity assessment bodies and in the ability of these 

bodies to test and certify products. Successful completion of the transition 

arrangement should result in the determination that conformity assessment bodies 

listed in Section V comply with the applicable criteria and are competent to 

conduct conformity assessment activities on behalf of the importing Party. Upon 

completion of the transition period, the results of conformity assessment 

procedures performed by one side’s conformity assessment bodies listed in 

Section V shall be accepted by the other side. 

3. During this transitional period, the two sides shall: 

a) consider new legislative changes needed to support the objectives of 

the Agreement; 

b) initiate regulatory changes needed to support the objectives of the 

Agreement; 

c) exchange information on and develop better understanding of their 

respective regulatory requirements; 

d) develop mutually agreed mechanisms for exchanging information on 

changes in technical requirements or methods of designating 

conformity assessment bodies; and 

e) monitor and evaluate the performance of the listed conformity 

assessment bodies during the transitional period. 

4. Parties may designate, list, suspend and withdraw conformity assessment bodies 

during the transitional period according to the procedures in Section VI of this 

Sectoral Annex. 

5. During the transitional period each Party shall accept and evaluate test reports and 

related documents issued by designated conformity assessment bodies of the other 

side. To this end, the importing Party shall ensure that: 

a) on receipt of test reports, related documents and a first evaluation of 

conformity, the dossiers are promptly examined for completeness; 

b) an applicant is informed in a precise and complete manner of any 

deficiency; 

c) any request for additional information is limited to omissions, 

inconsistencies or variances from the technical regulations or 

standards; 

d) procedures for assessing the conformity for equipment modified 

subsequent to a determination of compliance, are limited to 

procedures necessary to determine continued conformance; 

36 
 

US - EEA EFTA MRA Electromagnetic Compatibility Annex 

____________________________________________________________________

6. Each Party shall ensure that issuance of approvals, certificates or advice to the 

applicant is given no later than six weeks from receipt of the test report and 

evaluation from designated conformity assessment bodies of the other side. 

7. Any proposal made during or at the end of the transitional period to limit the 

scope of recognition of any designated conformity assessment body or to exclude 

it from the list of bodies designated under this Sectoral Annex shall be based on 

objective criteria and documented. Any such body may apply for reconsideration 

once the necessary corrective action has been taken. To the extent possible, the 

Parties shall implement such action prior to the expiry of the transitional period. 

******

37 
US - EEA EFTA MRA Recreational Craft Annex 

____________________________________________________________________ 

EEA EFTA STATES - U.S. MRA

SECTORAL ANNEX 

FOR 

RECREATIONAL CRAFT 

This Annex constitutes a Sectoral Annex to the Agreement on Mutual Recognition 

Between the United States of America and the EEA EFTA States.

The purpose of this Sectoral Annex is to establish a framework to accept certificates 

of conformity issued by conformity assessment bodies of one side in accordance 

with the regulatory requirements of the other side as referenced in this Sectoral 

Annex. 

To facilitate that purpose, a transitional period of one month is arranged to build 

confidence as defined in this Sectoral Annex, Section VI. 

38 
US - EEA EFTA MRA Recreational Craft Annex 

____________________________________________________________________ 

SECTION I

LEGISLATIVE, REGULATORY, AND ADMINISTRATIVE 

REQUIREMENTS 

1. For the EEA EFTA States: 

European Parliament and European Council Directive 94/25/EEC (EEA 

Agreement, Annex II, Chapter XXXI, point 1) on the Approximation of the 

Laws, Regulations, and Administrative Provisions of the Member States 

Relating to Recreational Craft. 

2. For the United States: 

46 U.S.C. Chapter 43, 33 CFR 81, 84, 159, 179, 181, 183 and 46 CFR 58. 

SECTION II

SCOPE AND COVERAGE 

1. This Sectoral Annex applies to all recreational craft which in the EEA EFTA 

States or the United States are subject to conformity assessment by a 

conformity assessment body or an approval procedure, as applicable, before 

being put on the market. 

2. The product coverage for each side shall be determined by the following 

relevant requirements: 

 (a) for the EEA EFTA States: 

Recreational craft as defined in Directive 94/25/EEC (EEA 

Agreement, Annex II, Chapter XXXI, point 1). 

(b) for the United States: 

Any product falling under the scope of 46 U.S.C. Chapter 43, 33 CFR 

81, 84, 159, 179, 181, 183 and 46 CFR 58. 

3. For mutual recognition to operate under this Sectoral Annex, the following 

arrangements apply: 

 (a) for approvals to the requirements of the EEA EFTA States, 

conformity assessment bodies designated by the United States shall 

establish compliance as required to be demonstrated by Directive 

94/25/EEC (EEA Agreement, Annex II, Chapter XXXI, point 1). 

This demonstration of compliance shall be recognized in the EEA 

EFTA States and products so certified shall have unrestricted access 

to the market of the EEA EFTA States for sale as recreational craft, 

pursuant to Section I. 

 (b) for approvals to U.S. requirements, conformity assessment bodies 

designated by the EEA EFTA States shall establish compliance as 

required to be demonstrated as set forth in paragraph 2(b) of this 

Section and products so certified shall have unrestricted access to the 

U.S. market for sale as recreational craft, pursuant to Section I. 

39 
US - EEA EFTA MRA Recreational Craft Annex 

____________________________________________________________________ 

SECTION III

AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGNATING 

THE CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES

EEA EFTA States United States 

Iceland: 

Ministry of Transport and 

Communication 

Liechtenstein: 

Government of Liechtenstein3

Norway: 

Ministry of Trade and Industry 

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (NIST) 

AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROVING THE CONFORMITY 

ASSESSMENT BODIES 

EEA EFTA STATES United States 

Iceland: 

Ministry of Transport and 

Communication 

Liechtenstein: 

Office of National Economy 

Norway: 

Norwegian Maritime Directorate 

U.S. Coast Guard 

 

3

 The Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein is entitled to appoint appropriate specific 

national administration bodies as designators of conformity assessment bodies at a future date. 

40 
US - EEA EFTA MRA Recreational Craft Annex 

____________________________________________________________________ 

SECTION IV

DESIGNATING, LISTING, SUSPENDING AND WITHDRAWING 

CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES 

1. For the purpose of this Sectoral Annex, each Party shall designate competent 

conformity assessment bodies to carry out conformity assessment and 

approval to the requirements of the other side. Such designation shall be 

carried out according to the procedures set out in Article 7 of the Agreement. 

A list of conformity assessment bodies, together with the products and 

procedures for which they have been listed, is in Section V below. 

2. Each side agrees that the following conformity assessment bodies comply 

with the requirements for such bodies established by the other side: 

 (a) for the EEA EFTA States, bodies which are Notified Bodies in 

accordance with Directive 94/25/EEC (EEA Agreement, Annex II, 

Chapter XXXI, point 1), are deemed to be in compliance with U.S. 

requirements; 

 (b) for the United States, in accordance with the requirements set out in 

the regulations listed in Section I, the conformity assessment bodies 

listed in Section V are designated by NIST using the evaluation 

procedures contained in the appropriate EN 45000 series of standards 

or the corresponding ISO/IEC Guides. 

3. With regard to the designation, listing, suspension and withdrawal of 

conformity assessment bodies under this Sectoral Annex, the specific 

procedures in Articles 7, 8 and 9 of the Agreement shall be followed. 

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SECTION V

CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES 

1. EEA EFTA States

The conformity assessment bodies are those Notified Bodies which have 

been notified by the EEA EFTA States, in accordance with Directive 

94/25/EEC (EEA Agreement, Annex II, Chapter XXXI, point 1), and whose 

names and reference numbers have been published in the Official Journal of 

the European Community. 

United States

(To be provided by United States) 

SECTION VI

TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENT

1. There shall be a transitional period of one month prior to the operations of 

this Sectoral Annex. 

2. The purpose of the transitional arrangement is to provide a means whereby 

the sides can cooperate to establish a system for designating conformity 

assessment bodies and can mutually build confidence in the abilities of these 

bodies. Successful completion of this transitional arrangement should result 

in the determination that conformity assessment bodies listed in Section V 

comply with the applicable criteria and are competent to conduct conformity 

assessment activities on behalf of the importing Party. Upon completion of 

the transition period, the results of conformity assessment procedures 

performed by one side’s conformity assessment bodies listed in Section V 

shall be accepted by the other side. 

3. During this transitional period, the two sides shall: 

 (a) exchange information on technical data and conformity assessment 

criteria and procedures, thus developing greater familiarity with their 

respective regulatory requirements; and 

(b) carry out or recommend any applicable policy, legislative and 

 regulatory changes necessary for the provisions of this Annex. 

4. Product Scope

 All products covered by Section II of this Annex. 

5. Cooperation

The Parties shall coordinate any seminars for the purpose of improving the 

understanding of technical specifications applicable in each Party’s 

jurisdiction with those that may be sponsored by the United States and the 

European Community. 

6. Inspections

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Inspections or audits shall be permitted to verify compliance of conformity 

assessment bodies with their responsibilities under this Agreement. The 

scope of these inspections or audits shall be agreed upon in advance by the 

Parties concerned. 

SECTION VII

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS 

1. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Agreement, the Parties shall 

ensure the continued availability of the names of their respective notified 

bodies or conformity assessment bodies, and shall regularly supply details of 

certifications issued in order to facilitate market surveillance. 

2. To the extent that requirements for electromagnetic compatibility may apply 

to products covered by this Sectoral Annex, the provisions of the Sectoral 

Annex on Electromagnetic Compatibility apply. 

SECTION VIII 

DEFINITIONS 

Notified Body means a third party authorized to perform the conformity assessment 

tasks specified in Directive 94/25/EEC (EEA Agreement, Annex II, Chapter XXXI, 

point 1) and which has been appointed by an EEA EFTA State from the bodies 

falling within its jurisdiction. The Notified Body has the necessary qualifications to 

meet requirements laid down in Directive 94/25/EEC and has been notified 

according to internal EEA EFTA procedures. 

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