Proposal for a Council Decision on the provisional application of a bilateral agreement between the European Community and certain third countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) on trade in textile products
Date: 1999-12-16
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: bilateral agreement, textile product, third country, trade agreement (EU)

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Brussels, 16.12.1999
COM(1999) 701 final

1999/0279 (ACC)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the provisional application of a bilateral agreement between the European
Community and certain third countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan,
Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) on trade in textile products

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

In accordance with the Council negotiating directives of 12 July 1999, the Commission has
negotiated agreements on the revision and an extension of the existing bilateral Agreement
between the European Community and certain third countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia,
Kazakhstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) on trade in textile products.

In the case of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Tajikistan and
Turkmenistan these agreements provide for an extension of the present textiles agreements
until 31 December 2002. Thereafter the agreements will be extended automatically for one
year if neither party informs the other that it objects to an extension. For these countries the
textile scope of textile products subject to the double-checking system is revised, taking into
account the relevant trade flows.

In the case of Uzbekistan the agreement is extended until 1.1.2004. The basket exit levels for
textile category 1 products (cotton yarns) are revised in order to allow for a controlled
development of trade in these products. Import ceilings for products of textile category 2
(cotton fabrics) are subject
to yearly increases and should be abolished on 1.1.2004.
Uzbekistan's tariffs for EC textile exports are bound at low rates and further reduced for
certain floor covering, fabrics and made-up products.

The Council is invited to approve on behalf of the Community this proposal for a Council
Decision on the provisional application of the Agreements in the form of Exchanges of
Letters amending the existing agreements between the European Community and the above-
cited third countries on trade in textile and clothing products pending the formal conclusion of
these Agreements on behalf of the Community.

2

1999/0279 (ACC)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the provisional application of a bilateral agreement between the European
Community and certain third countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan,
Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) on trade in textile products

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular
Article 133 in conjunction with Article 300, paragraph 2, first sentence thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission1,

Whereas:

(1)

The Commission has negotiated on behalf of the Community bilateral agreements to
revise and extend the existing bilateral agreement and protocols on trade in textile
products with certain third countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan,
Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan);

(2)

These bilateral agreements should be applied on a provisional basis from 1.1.2000
subject to the reciprocal provisional application by the above-cited countries.

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The bilateral agreements listed in the annex to this Decision shall be applied on a provisional
basis from 1 January 2000, pending their formal conclusion, subject to reciprocal provisional
application by the partner countries2.

The texts of the Agreements are annexed to this Decision.

1

2

OJ C
The date from which provisional application will become effective will be published in the Official
Journal of the European Communities, C series.

3

Article 2

This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. It shall
enter into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council
The President

4

ANNEX

AGREEMENT

in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and the
Republic of Armenia amending the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Republic of Armenia on trade in textile products initialled at
Brussels on 20 July 1993, as last amended by an Agreement in the form of an
Exchange of Letters initialled on 16 January 1996

Letter from the Council of the European Union

Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Republic of Armenia on trade in textile products initialled on
20 July 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters
initialled on 16 January 1996 (hereafter referred to as the 'Agreement').

2. In view of the expiry of the Agreement on 31 December 1999 and in accordance with
Article 19 (4) of the Agreement, the European Community proposes to extend the
duration of the Agreement, for a further period of at least three years, subject to the
following amendments and conditions:

2.1. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.2. The text of Article 19, paragraph 1, second and third sentences, of the Agreement
shall be replaced by the following:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2002. Thereafter, the application of all of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a period of one more
year up to 31 December 2003, unless either Party notifies the other at least six months
before 31 December 2002 that it does not agree with this extension.'

2.3. Textile categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are exempted from the double-checking
system referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement and specified in Protocol A. If, in a
given year, the levels of imports of products of these textile categories exceed the rates
specified in Article 5(2) of the Agreement,
the double-checking system will be
automatically reintroduced for these categories.

3. Should the Republic of Armenia become a Member of the World Trade Organisation
before the date of expiry of the Agreement, the provisions of Articles 2 (2) to (6), 3, 6, 7,
8, 9, 11 to 18, Protocol A, Protocol B, Protocol C, Agreed Minute No 1, Agreed Minute
No 2, Agreed Minute No 3 and Agreed Minute No 4 shall continue to be applicable as
administrative arrangements within the meaning of Article 2 (17) of the WTO Agreement
on Textiles and Clothing.

5

4. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm your Government's acceptance of the
foregoing. Should this be the case, this letter together with its appendix and your letter of
acceptance will constitute an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters which
shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on which the Parties
have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end have been
completed. In the meantime, it shall be applied provisionally from 1 January 2000 on
conditions of reciprocity.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Council of the European Union

6

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Armenia on trade in
textile products initialled on 20 July 1993, containing the category and goods
descriptions for textiles products, is replaced by Annex I to EC Regulation 3030/933. It is
understood that, without prejudice to the rules for the interpretation of the combined
nomenclature, the wording of the description of goods is considered to be of indicative
value only, since the products covered by each category are determined, within that
Annex by CN codes. Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a CN code, the products
covered in each category are determined by the scope of the CN code and by that of the
corresponding description.

3

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

7

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union presents its
compliments to the Mission of the Republic of Armenia and has the honour to refer to the
Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Armenia on Trade in
Textile Products initialled on 20 July 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the
form of an Exchange of Letters initialled on … 1999.

The Directorate General for Trade wishes to inform the Mission of the Republic of
Armenia that, whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the
conclusion and coming into force of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of
Letters, the European Community is prepared to allow the provisions of the Agreement
to apply de facto from 1 January 2000. This is on the understanding that either Party may
at any time terminate this de facto application of the Agreement in the form of an
Exchange of Letters provided that four months notice is given.

The Directorate General for Trade would be grateful if the Mission of the Republic of
Armenia would confirm its agreement to the foregoing.

The Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union avails itself
of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Armenia the assurance of its highest consideration.

8

Letter from the Government of the Republic of Armenia

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of ….. which reads as follows:

"Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Republic of Armenia on trade in textile products initialled on
20 July 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters
initialled on 18 January 1996 (hereafter referred to as the 'Agreement').

2. In view of the expiry of the Agreement on 31 December 1999 and in accordance with
Article 19 (4) of the Agreement, the European Community proposes to extend the
duration of the Agreement, for a further period of at least three years, subject to the
following amendments and conditions:

2.1. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.2. The text of Article 19, paragraph 1, second and third sentences, of the Agreement
shall be replaced by the following:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2002. Thereafter, the application of all of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a period of one more
year up to 31 December 2003, unless either Party notifies the other at least six months
before 31 December 2002 that it does not agree with this extension.`

2.3. Textile categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are exempted from the double-checking
system referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement and specified in Protocol A. If, in a
given year, the levels of imports of products of these textile categories exceed the rates
specified in Article 5(2) of the Agreement,
the double-checking system will be
automatically reintroduced for these categories.

3. Should the Republic of Armenia become a Member of the World Trade Organisation
before the date of expiry of the Agreement, the provisions of Articles 2 (2) to (6), 3, 6, 7,
8, 9, 11 to 18, Protocol A, Protocol B, Protocol C, Agreed Minute No 1, Agreed Minute
No 2, Agreed Minute No 3 and Agreed Minute No 4 shall continue to be applicable as
administrative arrangements within the meaning of Article 2 (17) of the WTO Agreement
on Textiles and Clothing.

4. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm your Government's acceptance of the
foregoing. Should this be the case, this letter together with its appendix and your letter of
acceptance will constitute an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters which
shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on which the Parties
have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end have been
completed. In the meantime, it shall be applied provisionally from 1 January 2000 on
conditions of reciprocity.

9

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration."

I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the content of
your letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of the Republic of Armenia

10

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Armenia on trade in
textile products initialled on 20 July 1993, containing the category and goods
descriptions for textiles products, is replaced by Annex I to EC Regulation 3030/934. It is
understood that without prejudice to the rules for the interpretation of the combined
nomenclature, the wording of the description of goods is considered to be of indicative
value only, since the products covered by each category are determined, within that
Annex by CN codes. Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a CN code, the products
covered in each category are determined by the scope of the CN code and by that of the
corresponding description.

4

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

11

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Mission of the Republic of Armenia presents its compliments to the Directorate
General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union and has the honour to refer
to the Note of the Directorate General (date of Note Verbale) regarding the Agreement on
trade in textile products initialled on 20 July 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in
the form of an Exchange of Letters initialled … 1999.

The Mission of the Republic of Armenia wishes to confirm to the Directorate General for
Trade that, whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the conclusion
and coming into force of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters, the
Government of the Republic of Armenia is prepared to allow the provisions of the
Agreement to be applied de facto from 1 January 2000. This is on the understanding that
either Party may at any time terminate this de facto application of the Agreement in the
form of an Exchange of Letters provided that four months notice is given.

The Mission of the Republic of Armenia avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the
Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union the assurance of
its highest consideration.

12

AGREEMENT

in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and the
Republic of Azerbaijan amending the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Republic of Azerbaijan on trade in textile products initialled at
Brussels on 20 September 1993, as last amended by an Agreement in the form of an
Exchange of Letters initialled on 18 December 1995

Letter from the Council of the European Union

Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Republic of Azerbaijan on trade in textile products initialled on 20
September 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of
Letters initialled on 18 December 1995 (hereafter referred to as the 'Agreement`).

2. In view of the expiry of the Agreement on 31 December 1999 and in accordance with
Article 20 (4) of the Agreement, the European Community proposes to extend the
duration of the Agreement, for a further period of at least three years, subject to the
following amendments and conditions:

2.1. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.2. The text of Article 20, paragraph 1, second and third sentences, of the Agreement
shall be replaced by the following:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2002. Thereafter, the application of all of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a period of one more
year up to 31 December 2003, unless either Party notifies the other at least six months
before 31 December 2002 that it does not agree with this extension.`

2.3. Textile categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20 and 136 are exempted from the
double-checking system referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement and specified in
Protocol A. If, in a given year, the levels of imports of products of these textile categories
exceed the rates specified in Article 5(2) of the Agreement, the double-checking system
will be automatically reintroduced for these categories.

3. Should the Republic of Azerbaijan become a Member of
the World Trade
Organisation before the date of expiry of the Agreement, the provisions of Articles 2 (2)
to (6), 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 to 19, Protocol A, Protocol B, Protocol C, Agreed Minute No 1,
Agreed Minute No 2, Agreed Minute No 3 and Agreed Minute No 4 shall continue to be
applicable as administrative arrangements within the meaning of Article 2 (17) of the
WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing.

4. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm your Government's acceptance of the
foregoing. Should this be the case, this letter together with its appendix and your letter of
acceptance will constitute an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters which

13

shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on which the Parties
have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end have been
completed. In the meantime, it shall be applied provisionally from 1 January 2000 on
conditions of reciprocity.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Council of the European Union

14

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Azerbaijan on trade in
textile products initialled on 20 September 1993, containing the category and goods
descriptions for textiles products, is replaced by Annex I to EC Regulation 3030/935. It is
understood that, without prejudice to the rules for the interpretation of the combined
nomenclature, the wording of the description of goods is considered to be of indicative
value only, since the products covered by each category are determined, within that
Annex by CN codes. Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a CN code, the products
covered in each category are determined by the scope of the CN code and by that of the
corresponding description.

5

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

15

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union presents its
compliments to the Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan and has the honour to refer to
the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Azerbaijan on
Trade in Textile Products initialled on 20 September 1993, as last amended by the
Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters initialled on … 1999.

The Directorate General for Trade wishes to inform the Mission of the Republic of
Azerbaijan that, whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the
conclusion and coming into force of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of
Letters, the European Community is prepared to allow the provisions of the Agreement
to apply de facto from 1 January 2000. This is on the understanding that either Party may
at any time terminate this de facto application of the Agreement in the form of an
Exchange of Letters provided that four months notice is given.

The Directorate General for Trade would be grateful if the Mission of the Republic of
Azerbaijan would confirm its agreement to the foregoing.

The Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union avails itself
of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Azerbaijan the assurance of its highest consideration.

16

Letter from the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of ….. which reads as follows:

"Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Republic of Azerbaijan on trade in textile products initialled on 20
September 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of
Letters initialled on 18 December 1995 (hereafter referred to as the 'Agreement').

2. In view of the expiry of the Agreement on 31 December 1999 and in accordance with
Article 20 (4) of the Agreement, the European Community proposes to extend the
duration of the Agreement, for a further period of at least three years, subject to the
following amendments and conditions:

2.1. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.2. The text of Article 20, paragraph 1, second and third sentences, of the Agreement
shall be replaced by the following:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2002. Thereafter, the application of all of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a period of one more
year up to 31 December 2003, unless either Party notifies the other at least six months
before 31 December 2002 that it does not agree with this extension.'

2.3. Textile categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20 and 136 are exempted from the
double-checking system referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement and specified in
Protocol A. If, in a given year, the levels of imports of products of these textile categories
exceed the rates specified in Article 5(2) of the Agreement, the double-checking system
will be automatically reintroduced for these categories.

3. Should the Republic of Azerbaijan become a Member of
the World Trade
Organisation before the date of expiry of the Agreement, the provisions of Articles 2 (2)
to (6), 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 to 19, Protocol A, Protocol B, Protocol C, Agreed Minute No 1,
Agreed Minute No 2, Agreed Minute No 3 and Agreed Minute No 4 shall continue to be
applicable as administrative arrangements within the meaning of Article 2 (17) of the
WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing.

4. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm your Government's acceptance of the
foregoing. Should this be the case, this letter together with its appendix and your letter of
acceptance will constitute an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters which
shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on which the Parties
have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end have been
completed. In the meantime, it shall be applied provisionally from 1 January 2000 on
conditions of reciprocity.

17

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration."

I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the content of
your letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan

18

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Azerbaijan on trade in
textile products initialled on 20 September 1993, containing the category and goods
descriptions for textiles products, is replaced by Annex I to EC Regulation 3030/936. It is
understood that without prejudice to the rules for the interpretation of the combined
nomenclature, the wording of the description of goods is considered to be of indicative
value only, since the products covered by each category are determined, within that
Annex by CN codes. Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a CN code, the products
covered in each category are determined by the scope of the CN code and by that of the
corresponding description.

6

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

19

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan presents its compliments to the Directorate
General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union and has the honour to refer
to the Note of the Directorate General (date of Note Verbale) regarding the Agreement on
trade in textile products initialled on 20 September 1993, as last amended by the
Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters initialled … 1999.

The Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan wishes to confirm to the Directorate General
for Trade that, whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the
conclusion and coming into force of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of
Letters,
the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan is prepared to allow the
provisions of the Agreement to be applied de facto from 1 January 2000. This is on the
understanding that either Party may at any time terminate this de facto application of the
Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters provided that four months notice is
given.

The Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan avails itself of this opportunity to renew to
the Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union the
assurance of its highest consideration.

20

AGREEMENT

in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and
Georgia amending the Agreement between the European Economic Community
and the Republic of Georgia on trade in textile products initialled at Brussels on 17
November 1993, as last amended by an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of
Letters initialled on 22 December 1995

Letter from the Council of the European Union

Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and Georgia on trade in textile products initialled on 17 November 1993, as
last amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters initialled on 22
December 1995 (hereafter referred to as the 'Agreement`).

2. In view of the expiry of the Agreement on 31 December 1999 and in accordance with
Article 20 (4) of the Agreement, the European Community proposes to extend the
duration of the Agreement, for a further period of at least three years, subject to the
following amendments and conditions:

2.1. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.2. The text of Article 20, paragraph 1, second and third sentences, of the Agreement
shall be replaced by the following:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2002. Thereafter, the application of all of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a period of one more
year up to 31 December 2003, unless either Party notifies the other at least six months
before 31 December 2002 that it does not agree with this extension.`

2.3. Textile categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are exempted from the double-checking
system referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement and specified in Protocol A. If, in a
given year, the levels of imports of products of these textile categories exceed the rates
specified in Article 5(2) of the Agreement,
the double-checking system will be
automatically reintroduced for these categories.

3. Should Georgia become a Member of the World Trade Organisation before the date of
expiry of the Agreement, the provisions of Articles 2 (2) to (6), 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 to 19,
Protocol A, Protocol B, Protocol C, Agreed Minute No 1, Agreed Minute No 2, Agreed
Minute No 3 and Agreed Minute No 4 shall continue to be applicable as administrative
arrangements within the meaning of Article 2 (17) of the WTO Agreement on Textiles
and Clothing.

4. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm your Government's acceptance of the
foregoing. Should this be the case, this letter together with its appendix and your letter of
acceptance will constitute an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters which

21

shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on which the Parties
have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end have been
completed. In the meantime, it shall be applied provisionally from 1 January 2000 on
conditions of reciprocity.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Council of the European Union

22

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Georgia on trade in
textile products initialled on 17 November 1993, containing the category and goods
descriptions for textiles products, is replaced by Annex I to EC Regulation 3030/937. It is
understood that, without prejudice to the rules for the interpretation of the combined
nomenclature, the wording of the description of goods is considered to be of indicative
value only, since the products covered by each category are determined, within that
Annex by CN codes. Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a CN code, the products
covered in each category are determined by the scope of the CN code and by that of the
corresponding description.

7

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

23

Appendix 2

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union presents its
compliments to the Mission of Georgia and has the honour to refer to the Agreement
between the European Community and Georgia on Trade in Textile Products initialled on
17 November 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of
Letters initialled on … 1999.

The Directorate General for Trade wishes to inform the Mission of Georgia that, whilst
awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the conclusion and coming into
force of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters, the European Community
is prepared to allow the provisions of
to apply de facto from
1 January 2000. This is on the understanding that either Party may at any time terminate
this de facto application of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters provided
that four months notice is given.

the Agreement

The Directorate General for Trade would be grateful if the Mission of Georgia would
confirm its agreement to the foregoing.

The Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union avails itself
of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia the assurance
of its highest consideration.

24

Letter from the Government of Georgia

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of ….. which reads as follows:

"Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and Georgia on trade in textile products initialled on 17 November 1993, as
last amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters initialled on 22
December 1995 (hereafter referred to as the 'Agreement').

2. In view of the expiry of the Agreement on 31 December 1999 and in accordance with
Article 20 (4) of the Agreement, the European Community proposes to extend the
duration of the Agreement, for a further period of at least three years, subject to the
following amendments and conditions:

2.1. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.2. The text of Article 20, paragraph 1, second and third sentences, of the Agreement
shall be replaced by the following:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2002. Thereafter, the application of all of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a period of one more
year up to 31 December 2003, unless either Party notifies the other at least six months
before 31 December 2002 that it does not agree with this extension.'

2.3. Textile categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are exempted from the double-checking
system referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement and specified in Protocol A. If, in a
given year, the levels of imports of products of these textile categories exceed the rates
specified in Article 5(2) of the Agreement,
the double-checking system will be
automatically reintroduced for these categories.

3. Should Georgia become a Member of the World Trade Organisation before the date of
expiry of the Agreement, the provisions of Articles 2 (2) to (6), 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 to 19,
Protocol A, Protocol B, Protocol C, Agreed Minute No 1, Agreed Minute No 2, Agreed
Minute No 3 and Agreed Minute No 4 shall continue to be applicable as administrative
arrangements within the meaning of Article 2 (17) of the WTO Agreement on Textiles
and Clothing.

4. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm your Government's acceptance of the
foregoing. Should this be the case, this letter together with its appendix and your letter of
acceptance will constitute an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters which
shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on which the Parties
have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end have been
completed. In the meantime, it shall be applied provisionally from 1 January 2000 on
conditions of reciprocity.

25

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration."

I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the content of
your letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of Georgia

26

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Georgia on trade in
textile products initialled on 17 November 1993, containing the category and goods
descriptions for textiles products, is replaced by Annex I to EC Regulation 3030/938. It is
understood that without prejudice to the rules for the interpretation of the combined
nomenclature, the wording of the description of goods is considered to be of indicative
value only, since the products covered by each category are determined, within that
Annex by CN codes. Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a CN code, the products
covered in each category are determined by the scope of the CN code and by that of the
corresponding description.

8

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

27

Appendix 2

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Mission of Georgia presents its compliments to the Directorate General for Trade of
the Commission of the European Union and has the honour to refer to the Note of the
Directorate General (date of Note Verbale) regarding the Agreement on trade in textile
products initialled on 17 November 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the form
of an Exchange of Letters initialled … 1999.

The Mission of Georgia wishes to confirm to the Directorate General for Trade that,
whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the conclusion and
the
coming into force of the Agreement
Government of Georgia is prepared to allow the provisions of the Agreement to be
applied de facto from 1 January 2000. This is on the understanding that either Party may
at any time terminate this de facto application of the Agreement in the form of an
Exchange of Letters provided that four months notice is given.

in the form of an Exchange of Letters,

The Mission of Georgia avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Directorate
General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union the assurance of its highest
consideration.

28

AGREEMENT

in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and the
Republic of Kazakhstan amending the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Republic of Kazakhstan on trade in textile products initialled
at Brussels on 15 October 1993, as last amended by an Agreement in the form of an
Exchange of Letters initialled on 20 December 1995

Letter from the Council of the European Union

Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Republic of Kazakhstan on trade in textile products initialled on 15
October 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters
initialled on 20 December 1995 (hereafter referred to as the 'Agreement').

2. In view of the expiry of the Agreement on 31 December 1999 and in accordance with
Article 20 (4) of the Agreement, the European Community proposes to extend the
duration of the Agreement, for a further period of at least three years, subject to the
following amendments and conditions:

2.1. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.2. The text of Article 20, paragraph 1, second and third sentences, of the Agreement
shall be replaced by the following:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2002. Thereafter, the application of all of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a period of one more
year up to 31 December 2003, unless either Party notifies the other at least six months
before 31 December 2002 that it does not agree with this extension.'

2.3. Textile categories 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are exempted from the double-checking
system referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement and specified in Protocol A. If, in a
given year, the levels of imports of products of these textile categories exceed the rates
specified in Article 5(2) of the Agreement,
the double-checking system will be
automatically reintroduced for these categories.

3. Should the Republic of Kazakhstan become a Member of
the World Trade
Organisation before the date of expiry of the Agreement, the provisions of Articles 2 (2)
to (5), 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 to 19, Protocol A, Protocol B, Protocol C, Agreed Minute No 1,
Agreed Minute No 2, Agreed Minute No 3 and Agreed Minute No 4 shall continue to be
applicable as administrative arrangements within the meaning of Article 2 (17) of the
WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing.

4. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm your Government's acceptance of the
foregoing. Should this be the case, this letter together with its appendix and your letter of
acceptance will constitute an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters which

29

shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on which the Parties
have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end have been
completed. In the meantime, it shall be applied provisionally from 1 January 2000 on
conditions of reciprocity.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Council of the European Union

30

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Kazakhstan on trade in
textile products initialled on 15 October 1993, containing the category and goods
descriptions for textiles products, is replaced by Annex I to EC Regulation 3030/939. It is
understood that, without prejudice to the rules for the interpretation of the combined
nomenclature, the wording of the description of goods is considered to be of indicative
value only, since the products covered by each category are determined, within that
Annex by CN codes. Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a CN code, the products
covered in each category are determined by the scope of the CN code and by that of the
corresponding description.

9

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

31

Appendix 2

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union presents its
compliments to the Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan and has the honour to refer to
the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Kazakhstan on
Trade in Textile Products initialled on 15 October 1993, as last amended by the
Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters initialled on … 1999.

The Directorate General for Trade wishes to inform the Mission of the Republic of
Kazakhstan that, whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the
conclusion and coming into force of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of
Letters, the European Community is prepared to allow the provisions of the Agreement
to apply de facto from 1 January 2000. This is on the understanding that either Party may
at any time terminate this de facto application of the Agreement in the form of an
Exchange of Letters provided that four months notice is given.

The Directorate General for Trade would be grateful if the Mission of the Republic of
Kazakhstan would confirm its agreement to the foregoing.

The Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union avails itself
of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Kazakhstan the assurance of its highest consideration.

32

Letter from the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of ….. which reads as follows:

"Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Republic of Kazakhstan on trade in textile products initialled on 15
October 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters
initialled on 20 December 1995 (hereafter referred to as the 'Agreement').

2. In view of the expiry of the Agreement on 31 December 1999 and in accordance with
Article 20 (4) of the Agreement, the European Community proposes to extend the
duration of the Agreement, for a further period of at least three years, subject to the
following amendments and conditions:

2.1. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.2. The text of Article 20, paragraph 1, second and third sentences, of the Agreement
shall be replaced by the following:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2002. Thereafter, the application of all of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a period of one more
year up to 31 December 2003, unless either Party notifies the other at least six months
before 31 December 2002 that it does not agree with this extension.'

2.3. Textile categories 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are exempted from the double-checking
system referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement and specified in Protocol A. If, in a
given year, the levels of imports of products of these textile categories exceed the rates
specified in Article 5(2) of the Agreement,
the double-checking system will be
automatically reintroduced for these categories.

3. Should the Republic of Kazakhstan become a Member of
the World Trade
Organisation before the date of expiry of the Agreement, the provisions of Articles 2 (2)
to (5), 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 to 19, Protocol A, Protocol B, Protocol C, Agreed Minute No 1,
Agreed Minute No 2, Agreed Minute No 3 and Agreed Minute No 4 shall continue to be
applicable as administrative arrangements within the meaning of Article 2 (17) of the
WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing.

4. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm your Government's acceptance of the
foregoing. Should this be the case, this letter together with its appendix and your letter of
acceptance will constitute an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters which
shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on which the Parties
have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end have been
completed. In the meantime, it shall be applied provisionally from 1 January 2000 on
conditions of reciprocity.

33

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration."

I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the content of
your letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan

34

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Kazakhstan on trade in
textile products initialled on 15 October 1993, containing the category and goods
descriptions for textiles products, is replaced by Annex I to EC Regulation 3030/9310. It
is understood that without prejudice to the rules for the interpretation of the combined
nomenclature, the wording of the description of goods is considered to be of indicative
value only, since the products covered by each category are determined, within that
Annex by CN codes. Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a CN code, the products
covered in each category are determined by the scope of the CN code and by that of the
corresponding description.

10

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

35

Appendix 2

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan presents its compliments to the Directorate
General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union and has the honour to refer
to the Note of the Directorate General (date of Note Verbale) regarding the Agreement on
trade in textile products initialled on 15 October 1993, as last amended by the Agreement
in the form of an Exchange of Letters initialled on … 1999.

The Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan wishes to confirm to the Directorate General
for Trade that, whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the
conclusion and coming into force of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of
Letters,
the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan is prepared to allow the
provisions of the Agreement to be applied de facto from 1 January 2000. This is on the
understanding that either Party may at any time terminate this de facto application of the
Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters provided that four months notice is
given.

The Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan avails itself of this opportunity to renew to
the Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union the
assurance of its highest consideration.

36

AGREEMENT

in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and the
Republic of Moldova amending the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Republic of Moldova on trade in textile products initialled at
Brussels on 14 May 1993, as last amended by an Agreement in the form of an
Exchange of Letters initialled on 15 December 1995

Letter from the Council of the European Union

Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Republic of Moldova on trade in textile products initialled on 14
May 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters
initialled on 15 December 1995 (hereafter referred to as the 'Agreement').

2. In view of the expiry of the Agreement on 31 December 1999 and in accordance with
Article 20 (4) of the Agreement, the European Community proposes to extend the
duration of the Agreement, for a further period of at least three years, subject to the
following amendments and conditions:

2.1. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.2. The text of Article 20, paragraph 1, second and third sentences, of the Agreement
shall be replaced by the following:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2002. Thereafter, the application of all of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a period of one more
year up to 31 December 2003, unless either Party notifies the other at least six months
before 31 December 2002 that it does not agree with this extension.`

2.3. Textile categories 1, 9, 115, 117 and 118 are exempted from the double-checking
system referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement and specified in Protocol A. If, in a
given year, the levels of imports of products of these textile categories exceed the rates
specified in Article 5(2) of the Agreement,
the double-checking system will be
automatically reintroduced for these categories.

3. Should the Republic of Moldova become a Member of the World Trade Organisation
before the date of expiry of the Agreement, the provisions of Articles 2 (2) to (6), 3, 6, 7,
8, 9, 11 to 19, Protocol A, Protocol B, Protocol C, Agreed Minute No 1, Agreed Minute
No 2, Agreed Minute No 3 and Agreed Minute No 4 shall continue to be applicable as
administrative arrangements within the meaning of Article 2 (17) of the WTO Agreement
on Textiles and Clothing.

4. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm your Government's acceptance of the
foregoing. Should this be the case, this letter together with its appendix and your letter of
acceptance will constitute an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters which

37

shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on which the Parties
have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end have been
completed. In the meantime, it shall be applied provisionally from 1 January 2000 on
conditions of reciprocity.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Council of the European Union

38

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Moldova on trade in
textile products initialled on 14 May 1993, containing the category and goods
descriptions for textiles products, is replaced by Annex I to EC Regulation 3030/9311. It
is understood that, without prejudice to the rules for the interpretation of the combined
nomenclature, the wording of the description of goods is considered to be of indicative
value only, since the products covered by each category are determined, within that
Annex by CN codes. Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a CN code, the products
covered in each category are determined by the scope of the CN code and by that of the
corresponding description.

11

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

39

Appendix 2

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union presents its
compliments to the Mission of the Republic of Moldova and has the honour to refer to
the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Moldova on Trade
in Textile Products initialled on 14 May 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the
form of an Exchange of Letters initialled on … 1999.

The Directorate General for Trade wishes to inform the Mission of the Republic of
Moldova that, whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the
conclusion and coming into force of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of
Letters, the European Community is prepared to allow the provisions of the Agreement
to apply de facto from 1 January 2000. This is on the understanding that either Party may
at any time terminate this de facto application of the Agreement in the form of an
Exchange of Letters provided that four months notice is given.

The Directorate General for Trade would be grateful if the Mission of the Republic of
Moldova would confirm its agreement to the foregoing.

The Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union avails itself
of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Moldova the assurance of its highest consideration.

40

Letter from the Government of the Republic of Moldova

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of ….. which reads as follows:

"Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Republic of Moldova on trade in textile products initialled on 14
May 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters
initialled on 15 December 1995 (hereafter referred to as the 'Agreement').

2. In view of the expiry of the Agreement on 31 December 1999 and in accordance with
Article 20 (4) of the Agreement, the European Community proposes to extend the
duration of the Agreement, for a further period of at least three years, subject to the
following amendments and conditions:

2.1. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.2. The text of Article 20, paragraph 1, second and third sentences, of the Agreement
shall be replaced by the following:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2002. Thereafter, the application of all of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a period of one more
year up to 31 December 2003, unless either Party notifies the other at least six months
before 31 December 2002 that it does not agree with this extension.`

2.3. Textile categories 1, 9, 115, 117 and 118 are exempted from the double-checking
system referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement and specified in Protocol A. If, in a
given year, the levels of imports of products of these textile categories exceed the rates
specified in Article 5(2) of the Agreement,
the double-checking system will be
automatically reintroduced for these categories.

3. Should the Republic of Moldova become a Member of the World Trade Organisation
before the date of expiry of the Agreement, the provisions of Articles 2 (2) to (6), 3, 6, 7,
8, 9, 11 to 19, Protocol A, Protocol B, Protocol C, Agreed Minute No 1, Agreed Minute
No 2, Agreed Minute No 3 and Agreed Minute No 4 shall continue to be applicable as
administrative arrangements within the meaning of Article 2 (17) of the WTO Agreement
on Textiles and Clothing.

4. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm your Government's acceptance of the
foregoing. Should this be the case, this letter together with its appendix and your letter of
acceptance will constitute an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters which
shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on which the Parties
have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end have been
completed. In the meantime, it shall be applied provisionally from 1 January 2000 on
conditions of reciprocity.

41

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration."

I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the content of
your letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of the Republic of Moldova

42

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Moldova on trade in
textile products initialled on 14 May 1993, containing the category and goods
descriptions for textiles products, is replaced by Annex I to EC Regulation 3030/9312. It
is understood that without prejudice to the rules for the interpretation of the combined
nomenclature, the wording of the description of goods is considered to be of indicative
value only, since the products covered by each category are determined, within that
Annex by CN codes. Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a CN code, the products
covered in each category are determined by the scope of the CN code and by that of the
corresponding description.

12

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

43

Appendix 2

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Mission of the Republic of Moldova presents its compliments to the Directorate
General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union and has the honour to refer
to the Note of the Directorate General (date of Note Verbale) regarding the Agreement on
trade in textile products initialled on 14 May 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in
the form of an Exchange of Letters initialled … 1999.

The Mission of the Republic of Moldova wishes to confirm to the Directorate General for
Trade that, whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the conclusion
and coming into force of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters, the
Government of the Republic of Moldova is prepared to allow the provisions of the
Agreement to be applied de facto from 1 January 2000. This is on the understanding that
either Party may at any time terminate this de facto application of the Agreement in the
form of an Exchange of Letters provided that four months notice is given.

The Mission of the Republic of Moldova avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the
Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union the assurance of
its highest consideration.

44

AGREEMENT IN THE FORM OF AN EXCHANGE OF LETTERS between the
European Community and the Republic of Tajikistan amending the Agreement
between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Tajikistan on
trade in textile products initialled at Brussels on 16 July 1993, as last amended by
initialled on
form of an Exchange
the Agreement
22 November 1995

of Letters

in the

Letter from the Council of the European Union

Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Republic of Tajikistan on trade in textile products initialled on 16
July 1993 (hereafter referred to as the 'Agreement').

2. In view of the expiry of the Agreement on 31 December 1999 and in accordance with
Article 20 (4) of the Agreement, the European Community proposes to extend the
duration of the Agreement, for a further period of at least three years, subject to the
following amendments and conditions:

2.1. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.2. The text of Article 20, paragraph 1, second and third sentences, of the Agreement
shall be replaced by the following:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2002. Thereafter, the application of all of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a period of one more
year up to 31 December 2003, unless either Party notifies the other at least six months
before 31 December 2002 that it does not agree with this extension.'

2.3. Textile categories 3, 4, 5 and 7 are exempted from the double-checking system
referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement and specified in Protocol A. If, in a given
year, the levels of imports of products of these textile categories exceed the rates
specified in Article 5(2) of the Agreement,
the double-checking system will be
automatically reintroduced for these categories.

3. Should the Republic of Tajikistan become a Member of the World Trade Organisation
before the date of expiry of the Agreement, the provisions of Articles 2 (2) to (6), 3, 6, 7,
8, 9, 11 to 19, Protocol A, Protocol B, Protocol C, Agreed Minute No 1, Agreed Minute
No 2, Agreed Minute No 3 and Agreed Minute No 4 shall continue to be applicable as
administrative arrangements within the meaning of Article 2 (17) of the WTO Agreement
on Textiles and Clothing.

4. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm your Government's acceptance of the
foregoing. Should this be the case, this letter together with its appendix and your letter of
acceptance will constitute an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters which
shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on which the Parties
have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end have been

45

completed. In the meantime, it shall be applied provisionally from 1 January 2000 on
conditions of reciprocity.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Council of the European Union

46

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Tajikistan on trade in
textile products initialled on 8 June 1993, containing the category and goods descriptions
for textiles products, is replaced by Annex I to EC Regulation 3030/9313. It is understood
that, without prejudice to the rules for the interpretation of the combined nomenclature,
the wording of the description of goods is considered to be of indicative value only, since
the products covered by each category are determined, within that Annex by CN codes.
Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a CN code, the products covered in each
category are determined by the scope of the CN code and by that of the corresponding
description.

13

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

47

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union presents its
compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan and has the
honour to refer to the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of
Tajikistan on Trade in Textile Products initialled on 8 June 1993, as last amended by the
Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters initialled on 27 October 1999.

The Directorate General for Trade wishes to inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Tajikistan that, whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the
conclusion and coming into force of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of
Letters, the European Community is prepared to allow the provisions of the Agreement
to apply de facto from 1 January 2000. This is on the understanding that either Party may
at any time terminate this de facto application of the Agreement in the form of an
Exchange of Letters provided that four months notice is given.

The Directorate General for Trade would be grateful if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
the Republic of Tajikistan would confirm the agreement of the Republic of Tajikistan
with the foregoing.

The Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union avails itself
of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Tajikistan the assurance of its highest consideration.

48

Letter from the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of ….. which reads as follows:

"Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and the Republic of Tajikistan on trade in textile products initialled on 16
July 1993 (hereafter referred to as the 'Agreement').

2. In view of the expiry of the Agreement on 31 December 1999 and in accordance with
Article 20 (4) of the Agreement the European Community proposes to maintain in force
the Agreement, for a further period of at least three years, subject to the following
amendments and conditions:

2.1. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.2. The text of Article 20, paragraph 1, second and third sentences, of the Agreement
shall be replaced by the following:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2002. Thereafter, the application of all of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a period of one more
year up to 31 December 2003, unless either Party notifies the other at least six months
before 31 December 2002 that it does not agree with this extension.'

2.3. Textile categories 3, 4, 5 and 7 are exempted from the double-checking system
referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement and specified in Protocol A. If, in a given
year, the levels of imports of products of these textile categories exceed the rates
the double-checking system will be
specified in Article 5(2) of the Agreement,
automatically reintroduced for these categories.

3. Should the Republic of Tajikistan become a Member of the World Trade Organisation
before the date of expiry of the Agreement, the provisions of Articles 2 (2) to (6), 3, 6, 7,
8, 9, 11 to 19, Protocol A, Protocol B, Protocol C, Agreed Minute No 1, Agreed Minute
No 2, Agreed Minute No 3 and Agreed Minute No 4 shall continue to be applicable as
administrative arrangements within the meaning of Article 2 (17) of the WTO Agreement
on Textiles and Clothing.

4. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm your Government's acceptance of the
foregoing. Should this be the case, this letter together with its appendix and your letter of
acceptance will constitute an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters which
shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on which the Parties
have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end have been
completed. In the meantime, it shall be applied provisionally from 1 January 2000 on
conditions of reciprocity.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration."

49

I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the content of
your letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan

50

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Tajikistan on trade in
textile products initialled on 8 June 1993, containing the category and goods descriptions
for textiles products, is replaced by Annex I to EC Regulation 3030/9314. It is understood
that without prejudice to the rules for the interpretation of the combined nomenclature,
the wording of the description of goods is considered to be of indicative value only, since
the products covered by each category are determined, within that Annex by CN codes.
Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a CN code, the products covered in each
category are determined by the scope of the CN code and by that of the corresponding
description.

14

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

51

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan presents its compliments to
the Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union and has the
honour to refer to the Note of the Directorate General (date of Note Verbale) regarding
the Agreement on trade in textile products initialled on 8 June 1993, as last amended by
the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters initialled on 27 October 1999.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan wishes to confirm to the
Directorate General for Trade that, whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary
procedures for the conclusion and coming into force of the Agreement in the form of an
Exchange of Letters, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan is prepared to allow
the provisions of the Agreement to be applied de facto from 1 January 2000. This is on
the understanding that either Party may at any time terminate this de facto application of
the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters provided that four months notice is
given.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan avails itself of this
opportunity to renew to the Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the
European Union the assurance of its highest consideration.

52

AGREEMENT

in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Community and
Turkmenistan amending the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and Turkmenistan on trade in textile products initialled at Brussels on
18 October 1993, as last amended by an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of
Letters initialled on 25 January 1996

Letter from the Council of the European Union

Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and Turkmenistan on trade in textile products initialled on 18 October 1993,
as last amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters initialled on 25
January 1996 (hereafter referred to as the 'Agreement').

2. In view of the expiry of the Agreement on 31 December 1999 and in accordance with
Article 20 (4) of the Agreement, the European Community proposes to extend the
duration of the Agreement, for a further period of at least three years, subject to the
following amendments and conditions:

2.1. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.2. The text of Article 20, paragraph 1, second and third sentences, of the Agreement
shall be replaced by the following:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2002. Thereafter, the application of all of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a period of one more
year up to 31 December 2003, unless either Party notifies the other at least six months
before 31 December 2002 that it does not agree with this extension.'

2.3. Textile categories 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are exempted from the double-checking
system referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement and specified in Protocol A. If, in a
given year, the levels of imports of products of these textile categories exceed the rates
specified in Article 5(2) of the Agreement,
the double-checking system will be
automatically reintroduced for these categories.

3. Should Turkmenistan become a Member of the World Trade Organisation before the
date of expiry of the Agreement, the provisions of Articles 2 (2) to (6), 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 to
19, Protocol A, Protocol B, Protocol C, Agreed Minute No 1, Agreed Minute No 2,
Agreed Minute No 3 and Agreed Minute No 4 shall continue to be applicable as
administrative arrangements within the meaning of Article 2 (17) of the WTO Agreement
on Textiles and Clothing.

4. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm your Government's acceptance of the
foregoing. Should this be the case, this letter together with its appendix and your letter of
acceptance will constitute an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters which

53

shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on which the Parties
have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end have been
completed. In the meantime, it shall be applied provisionally from 1 January 2000 on
conditions of reciprocity.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Council of the European Union

54

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Turkmenistan on trade
in textile products initialled on 18 October 1993, containing the category and goods
descriptions for textiles products, is replaced by Annex I to EC Regulation 3030/9315. It
is understood that, without prejudice to the rules for the interpretation of the combined
nomenclature, the wording of the description of goods is considered to be of indicative
value only, since the products covered by each category are determined, within that
Annex by CN codes. Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a CN code, the products
covered in each category are determined by the scope of the CN code and by that of the
corresponding description.

15

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

55

Appendix 2

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union presents its
compliments to the Mission of Turkmenistan and has the honour to refer to the
Agreement between the European Community and Turkmenistan on Trade in Textile
Products initialled on 18 October 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the form of
an Exchange of Letters initialled on … 1999.

The Directorate General for Trade wishes to inform the Mission of Turkmenistan that,
whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the conclusion and
coming into force of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters, the European
Community is prepared to allow the provisions of the Agreement to apply de facto from
1 January 2000. This is on the understanding that either Party may at any time terminate
this de facto application of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters provided
that four months notice is given.

The Directorate General for Trade would be grateful if the Mission of Turkmenistan
would confirm its agreement to the foregoing.

The Directorate General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union avails itself
of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan the
assurance of its highest consideration.

56

Letter from the Government of Turkmenistan

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of ….. which reads as follows:

"Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the Agreement between the European Economic
Community and Turkmenistan on trade in textile products initialled on 18 October 1993,
as last amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters initialled on 25
January 1996 (hereafter referred to as the 'Agreement').

2. In view of the expiry of the Agreement on 31 December 1999 and in accordance with
Article 20 (4) of the Agreement, the European Community proposes to extend the
duration of the Agreement, for a further period of at least three years, subject to the
following amendments and conditions:

2.1. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.2. The text of Article 20, paragraph 1, second and third sentences, of the Agreement
shall be replaced by the following:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2002. Thereafter, the application of all of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for a period of one more
year up to 31 December 2003, unless either Party notifies the other at least six months
before 31 December 2002 that it does not agree with this extension.'

2.3. Textile categories 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are exempted from the double-checking
system referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement and specified in Protocol A. If, in a
given year, the levels of imports of products of these textile categories exceed the rates
specified in Article 5(2) of the Agreement,
the double-checking system will be
automatically reintroduced for these categories.

3. Should Turkmenistan become a Member of the World Trade Organisation before the
date of expiry of the Agreement, the provisions of Articles 2 (2) to (6), 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 to
19, Protocol A, Protocol B, Protocol C, Agreed Minute No 1, Agreed Minute No 2,
Agreed Minute No 3 and Agreed Minute No 4 shall continue to be applicable as
administrative arrangements within the meaning of Article 2 (17) of the WTO Agreement
on Textiles and Clothing.

4. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm your Government's acceptance of the
foregoing. Should this be the case, this letter together with its appendix and your letter of
acceptance will constitute an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters which
shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on which the Parties
have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end have been
completed. In the meantime, it shall be applied provisionally from 1 January 2000 on
conditions of reciprocity.

57

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration."

I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the content of
your letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of Turkmenistan

58

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Turkmenistan on trade
in textile products initialled on 18 October 1993, containing the category and goods
descriptions for textiles products, is replaced by Annex I to EC Regulation 3030/9316. It
is understood that without prejudice to the rules for the interpretation of the combined
nomenclature, the wording of the description of goods is considered to be of indicative
value only, since the products covered by each category are determined, within that
Annex by CN codes. Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a CN code, the products
covered in each category are determined by the scope of the CN code and by that of the
corresponding description.

16

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

59

Appendix 2

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Mission of Turkmenistan presents its compliments to the Directorate General for
Trade of the Commission of the European Union and has the honour to refer to the Note
of the Directorate General (date of Note Verbale) regarding the Agreement on trade in
textile products initialled on 18 October 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the
form of an Exchange of Letters initialled … 1999.

The Mission of Turkmenistan wishes to confirm to the Directorate General for Trade
that, whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the conclusion and
the
coming into force of the Agreement
Government of Turkmenistan is prepared to allow the provisions of the Agreement to be
applied de facto from 1 January 2000. This is on the understanding that either Party may
at any time terminate this de facto application of the Agreement in the form of an
Exchange of Letters provided that four months notice is given.

in the form of an Exchange of Letters,

The Mission of Turkmenistan avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Directorate
General for Trade of the Commission of the European Union the assurance of its highest
consideration.

60

Agreement
in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European
Community and the Republic of Uzbekistan amending the Agreement between the
European Economic Community and the Republic of Uzbekistan on Trade in
Textile Products initialled on 8 June 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the
form of an Exchange of Letters initialled on 4 December 1995

Letter from the Council of the European Union

Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the negotiations held on 14 and 15 September 1999
between our respective Delegations with a view to renew the Agreement between the
European Community and the Republic of Uzbekistan on trade in textile products
initialled on 8 June 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange
of Letters initialled on 4 December 1995.

2. As a result of these negotiations, both Parties agreed to amend the following
provisions of the Agreement:

2.1. The second and third sentence of Article 20, paragraph 1, are replaced by the
following text:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2004.'

2.2. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.3 Annex II which sets out the quantitative restrictions for exports from the Republic of
Uzbekistan to the European Community is replaced by Appendix 2 to this letter.

2.4 Annex III which sets out the products without quantitative limits subject to the
double-checking system referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement is replaced by
Appendix 3 to this letter.

2.5 Article 5 Paragraph 2 is replaced by the following text:

' 2. Where the Community finds, under the system of administrative control set
up, that the level of imports of products in a given category not listed in Annex
II originating in Uzbekistan exceeds, in relation to the preceding year's total
imports into the Community from all sources of products in that category, the
following rates:

–

–

–

–

0,35 % for categories of products in Group I, except category 1,

for category 1 the levels referred to in paragraph 5.2bis,

1,2 % for categories of products in Group II,

4 % for categories of products in Groups III, IV and V,

61

it may request the opening of consultations in accordance with the procedure
described in Article 15 of this Agreement, with a view to reaching agreement on
an appropriate restraint level for the products in such category.'

2.6 A new Article 5.2bis is inserted after Article 5.2:

'2bis.

a)

b)

c)

Uzbekistan will monitor the levels, as well as average prices, of exports
into the EC of products of category 1, with a view to keeping them within
the following targets as a share of total EC imports in such category:

In the year 2000: 6%, in 2001: 7.2%, in 2002: 8.4%, in 2003: 9.6% and in
2004: 10.8%.

The EC and Uzbekistan will consult whenever it appears that the targets
are exceeded or are likely to be exceeded, as well as when average prices
of exports from Uzbekistan are significantly below average prices of total
imports of category 1 into the EC.

The provisions on price monitoring as under Paragraph 2bis a) will be
applicable to imports of category 2 from Uzbekistan as from 1.1.2004.'

2.7 For the purpose of facilitating the exchange of information on licenses for textile
products under quota or under surveillance, an electronic link between the competent
authorities of Uzbekistan and the SIGL system (système integré de gestion de licenses)
will be established.

the World Trade
3. Should the Republic of Uzbekistan become a Member of
Organisation before the date of expiry of the Agreement, this Agreement and its annexes
will be applied and notified to the World Trade Organisation as an Administrative
Arrangement, and its provisions will be applied within the framework of the Agreements
and rules of the World Trade Organisation.

4. The Agreed Minute set out in Appendix 3 to this letter shall form an integral part of
the Agreement.

5. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm the acceptance of your Government of
the foregoing. Should this be the case, this Agreement in the form of an Exchange of
Letters shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on

which the Parties have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end
it shall be applied provisionally from
have been completed.
1 January 2000 on the condition of reciprocity to be specified in an Exchange of Notes
(Appendix 5).

In the meantime,

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Council of the European Union

62

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Uzbekistan on trade in
textile products including initialled on 8 June 1993 is replaced by Annex I to EC
Regulation 3030/9317. It
is understood that without prejudice to the rules for the
interpretation of the combined nomenclature, the wording of the description of goods is
considered to be of indicative value only, since the products covered by each category are
determined, within that Annex by CN codes. Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a
CN code, the products covered in each category are determined by the scope of the CN
code and by that of the corresponding description.

17

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

63

Appendix 2

ANNEX II

(The full product descriptions of the categories listed in this Annex are to be found in
Annex I to the Agreement)

Community Quantitative Limits

(1000 tonnes)

Categories

Unit

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2

tonnes 8.9

11.5

13.5

16.5

free

of which 2a

tonnes 0.89

1.15

1.35

1.65

free

64

Appendix 3

ANNEX III

(Products without quantitative limits subject to the double-checking system referred to in
Article 2 (3) of the Agreement)

1

3

4

5

6

7

8

26

65

Appendix 4

AGREED MINUTE

In the context of the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of
initialled in Brussels on 15
Uzbekistan on trade in textile and clothing products,
September 1999, the Republic of Uzbekistan confirmed that the tariff rates presently
applied for textiles and clothing products originating from the European Community are
the rates contained in Annex 1 to this Agreed Minute. Both Parties agreed that these tariff
rates shall not be exceeded for the duration of the Agreement.

Concerning customs duties applicable to imports into the Republic of Uzbekistan of
products covered by the Harmonised System codes 57, 58 and 63, the Community's
proposal for their progressive alignment within the period of duration of the Agreement
towards the customs duties applicable to imports of the same products into the
Community was accepted by the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Republic of Uzbekistan
agreed to reduce the rates according to the schedule contained in Annex 2 to this Agreed
Minute.

In the case of disagreement on the application of the provisions of the two foregoing
paragraphs, the Community and the Republic of Uzbekistan will immediately start
consultations in accordance with Article 15 paragraph of the Agreement with the aim to
ensure the fulfilment of commitments undertaken by the parties. Should the disagreement
persist after these consultations, the Community will have the right to reintroduce for the
period of the agreement remaining unexpired on a pro rata basis the levels for
quantitative restrictions for categories 2 and 2a applicable in 1999 as specified in the
Exchange of Letters initialled on 4 December 1995. For category 1 the Community may
reintroduce the basket exit limit of 0,35%.

Both parties also agreed that the Republic of Uzbekistan will ensure that the supply to the
Community industry of cotton and other raw textile materials, as well as of other textile
products shall be made at conditions not less favourable than to users of other developed
countries under normal market conditions.

Brussels, ........................... 1999.

For the Government of the

For the Council of the European Union

Republic of Uzbekistan

66

ANNEX 1

to Agreed Minute

Maximum rates of customs duties applicable to textiles products imported into the
Republic of Uzbekistan from the European Community

Chapter

HS Codes

Rates

50
50
50
50
50
50
50

51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51

52
52
52
52
52
52
52
52
52
52
52
52

53
53
53
53
53
53
53
53
53
53

5001
5002
5003
5004
5005
5006
5007

5101
5102
5103
5104
5105
5106
5107
5108
5109
5110
5111
5112
5113

5201
5202
5203
5204
5205
5206
5207
5208
5209
5210
5211
5212

5301
5302
5303
5204
5205
5206
5207
5208
5209
5210

67

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Chapter
53

HS Codes
5211

Rates
0%

54
54
54
54
54
54
54
54

55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55

56
56
56
56
56
56
56
56
56

57
57
57
57
57

58
58
58
58
58
58
58
58

5401
5402
5403
5404
5405
5406
5407
5408

5501
5502
5503
5504
5505
5506
5507
5508
5509
5510
5511
5512
5513
5514
5515
5516

5601
5602
5603
5604
5605
5606
5607
5608
5609

5701
5702
5703
5704
5705

5801
5802
5803
5804
5805
5806
5807
5808

68

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
10%
10%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
10%
10%
10%
10%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)

15% (2)
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Chapter
58
58
58

HS Codes
5809
5810
5811

Rates
0%
0%
0%

59
59
59
59
59
59
59
59
59
59
59

60
60

61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61

62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62

5901
5902
5903
5904
5905
5906
5907
5908
5909
5910
5911

6001
6002

6101
6102
6103
6104
6105
6106
6107
6108
6109
6110
6111
6112
6113
6114
6115
6116
6117

6201
6202
6203
6204
6205
6206
6207
6208
6209
6210
6211
6212
6213
6214
6215
6216

69

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

0%
0%

5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
0%
5%
5%
5%
0%
5%
5%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Chapter
62

HS Codes
6217

63
63
63
63
63
63
63
63
63
63
63

6301
6301 20
6302
6303
6304
6305
6306
6307
6308
6309
6310

Rates
0%

0%
10%
20% (3)
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
5%
0%

(1) Rates in 1999: for carpets - 50%, for other textile floor coverings - 10%. Rates for carpets will
be reduced starting in the year 2000 in accordance with the schedule specified in Annex 2 to the
Agreed Minute.

(2) Rates for products of HS 5801 will be reduced starting in the year 2000 in accordance with
the schedule specified in Annex 2 to the Agreed Minute.

(3) Rates for products of HS 6302 will be reduced starting in the year 2000 in accordance with
the schedule specified in Annex 2 to the Agreed Minute.

70

ANNEX 2

to Agreed Minute

Schedule for alignment of Uzbekistan's tariff rates for products of chapters 57, 58 and 63
of the HS code

Reduction of tariffs of products of chapter HS 57

year

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

perc.

50% 30% 30% 30% 30% 30%

Reduction of tariffs of products of HS 5801

year

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

perc.

15% 12% 10% 8%

8%

8%

Reduction of tariffs of products of HS 6302

year

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

perc.

20% 20% 18% 17% 15% 15%

71

Appendix 5

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Trade Directorate General of the European Commission presents its compliments to
the Mission of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the European Union and has the honour to
to the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of
refer
Uzbekistan on Trade in Textile Products initialled on 8 June 1993, as last amended by the
Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters initialled on …. .

The Directorate General for Trade wishes to inform the Mission of Uzbekistan that whilst
awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the conclusion an coming into
force of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters, the European Community
is prepared to allow the provision of the Agreement to apply de facto from 1 January
2000. This is on the understanding that either Party may at any time terminate this de
facto application of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters provided that
four months notices is given.

The Directorate General would be grateful if the Mission of the Republic of Uzbekistan
would confirm its authorities' agreement with the foregoing.

The Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission avails itself of this
opportunity to renew to the Mission of the Republic of Uzbekistan the assurance of its
highest consideration.

72

Letter from the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of ….. which reads as follows:

"Sir,

1. I have the honour to refer to the negotiations held on 14 and 15 September 1999
between our respective Delegations with a view to renew the Agreement between the
European Community and the Republic of Uzbekistan on trade in textile products
initialled on 8 June 1993, as last amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange
of Letters initialled on 4 December 1995.

2. As a result of these negotiations, both Parties agreed to amend the following
provisions of the Agreement:

2.1. The second and third sentence of Article 20, paragraph 1, are replaced by the
following text:

'It shall be applicable until 31 December 2004.'

2.2. Annex I which sets out the products referred to in Article 1 of the Agreement is
replaced by Appendix 1 to this letter.

2.3 Annex II which sets out the quantitative restrictions for exports from the Republic of
Uzbekistan to the European Community is replaced by Appendix 2 to this letter.

2.4 Annex III which sets out the products without quantitative limits subject to the
double-checking system referred to in Article 2 (3) of the Agreement is replaced by
Appendix 3 to this letter.

2.5 Article 5 Paragraph 2 is replaced by the following text:

' 2. Where the Community finds, under the system of administrative control set
up, that the level of imports of products in a given category not listed in Annex
II originating in Uzbekistan exceeds, in relation to the preceding year's total
imports into the Community from all sources of products in that category, the
following rates:

–

–

–

–

0,35 % for categories of products in Group I, except category 1,

for category 1 the levels referred to in paragraph 5.2bis,

1,2 % for categories of products in Group II,

4 % for categories of products in Groups III, IV and V,

it may request the opening of consultations in accordance with the procedure
described in Article 15 of this Agreement, with a view to reaching agreement on
an appropriate restraint level for the products in such category.'

73

2.6. A new Article 5.2bis is inserted after Article 5.2:

'2bis.

a)

b)

c)

Uzbekistan will monitor the levels, as well as average prices, of exports
into the EC of products of category 1, with a view to keeping them within
the following targets as a share of total EC imports in such category:

In the year 2000: 6%, in 2001: 7.2%, in 2002: 8.4%, in 2003: 9.6% and in
2004: 10.8%.

The EC and Uzbekistan will consult whenever it appears that the targets
are exceeded or are likely to be exceeded, as well as when average prices
of exports from Uzbekistan are significantly below average prices of total
imports of category 1 into the EC.

The provisions on price monitoring as under Paragraph 2bis a) will be
applicable to imports of category 2 from Uzbekistan as from 1.1.2004.'

2.7 For the purpose of facilitating the exchange of information on licenses for textile
products under quota or under surveillance, an electronic link between the competent
authorities of Uzbekistan and the SIGL system (système integré de gestion de licenses)
will be established.

the World Trade
3. Should the Republic of Uzbekistan become a Member of
Organisation before the date of expiry of the Agreement, this Agreement and its annexes
will be applied and notified to the World Trade Organisation as an Administrative
Arrangement, and its provisions will be applied within the framework of the Agreements
and rules of the World Trade Organisation.

4. The Agreed Minute set out in Appendix 3 to this letter shall form an integral part of
the Agreement.

5. I should be obliged if you could kindly confirm the acceptance of your Government of
the foregoing. Should this be the case, this Agreement in the form of an Exchange of
Letters shall enter into force on the first day of the month following the day on which the
Parties have notified each other that the legal procedures necessary to this end have been
completed. In the meantime, it shall be applied provisionally from 1 January 2000 on the
condition of reciprocity to be specified in an Exchange of Notes (Appendix 5).

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration."

I have the honour to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the content of
your letter.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan

74

Appendix 1

Annex I to the Agreement between the European Community and Uzbekistan on trade in
textile products including initialled on 8 June 1993 is replaced by Annex I to EC
Regulation 3030/9318. It
is understood that without prejudice to the rules for the
interpretation of the combined nomenclature, the wording of the description of goods is
considered to be of indicative value only, since the products covered by each category are
determined, within that Annex by CN codes. Where there is an 'ex' symbol in front of a
CN code, the products covered in each category are determined by the scope of the CN
code and by that of the corresponding description.

18

In 1999 this Annex was published in EC Official Journal No. L134 of 28.5.1999.

75

Appendix 2

ANNEX II

(The full product descriptions of the categories listed in this Annex are to be found in
Annex I to the Agreement)

Community Quantitative Limits

(1000 tonnes)

Categories

Unit

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2

tonnes 8.9

11.5

13.5

16.5

free

of which 2a

tonnes 0.89

1.15

1.35

1.65

free

76

Appendix 3

ANNEX III

(Products without quantitative limits subject to the double-checking system referred to in
Article 2 (3) of the Agreement)

1

3

4

5

6

7

8

26

77

Appendix 4

AGREED MINUTE

In the context of the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of
initialled in Brussels on 15
Uzbekistan on trade in textile and clothing products,
September 1999, the Republic of Uzbekistan confirmed that the tariff rates presently
applied for textiles and clothing products originating from the European Community are
the rates contained in Annex 1 to this Agreed Minute. Both Parties agreed that these tariff
rates shall not be exceeded for the duration of the Agreement. Concerning customs duties
applicable to imports into the Republic of Uzbekistan of products covered by the
Harmonised System codes 57, 58 and 63, the Community's proposal for their progressive
alignment within the period of duration of the Agreement towards the customs duties
applicable to imports of the same products into the Community was accepted by the
Republic of Uzbekistan. The Republic of Uzbekistan agreed to reduce the rates according
to the schedule contained in Annex 2 to this Agreed Minute.

In the case of disagreement on the application of the provisions of the two foregoing
paragraphs, the Community and the Republic of Uzbekistan will immediately start
consultations in accordance with Article 15 paragraph of the Agreement with the aim to
ensure the fulfilment of commitments undertaken by the parties. Should the disagreement
persist after these consultations the Community will have the right to reintroduce for the
period of the agreement remaining unexpired on a pro rata basis the levels for
quantitative restrictions for categories 2 and 2a applicable in 1999 as specified in the
Exchange of Letters initialled on 4 December 1995. For category 1 the Community may
reintroduce the basket exit limit of 0,35%.

Both parties also agreed that the Republic of Uzbekistan will ensure that the supply to the
Community industry of cotton and other raw textile materials, as well as of other textile
products shall be made at conditions not less favourable than to users of other developed
countries under normal market conditions.

Brussels, ........................... 1999.

For the Government of the

For the Council of the European Union

Republic of Uzbekistan

78

ANNEX 1

to Agreed Minute

Maximum rates of customs duties applicable to textiles products imported into the
Republic of Uzbekistan from the European Community

Chapter

HS Codes

Rates

50
50
50
50
50
50
50

51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51
51

52
52
52
52
52
52
52
52
52
52
52
52

53
53
53
53
53
53

5001
5002
5003
5004
5005
5006
5007

5101
5102
5103
5104
5105
5106
5107
5108
5109
5110
5111
5112
5113

5201
5202
5203
5204
5205
5206
5207
5208
5209
5210
5211
5212

5301
5302
5303
5204
5205
5206

79

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Chapter
53
53
53
53
53

HS Codes
5207
5208
5209
5210
5211

54
54
54
54
54
54
54
54

55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
55

56
56
56
56
56
56
56
56
56

57
57
57
57
57

5401
5402
5403
5404
5405
5406
5407
5408

5501
5502
5503
5504
5505
5506
5507
5508
5509
5510
5511
5512
5513
5514
5515
5516

5601
5602
5603
5604
5605
5606
5607
5608
5609

5701
5702
5703
5704
5705

80

Rates
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
10%
10%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
10%
10%
10%
10%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)

Chapter

HS Codes

58
58
58
58
58
58
58
58
58
58
58

59
59
59
59
59
59
59
59
59
59
59

60
60

61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61
61

62
62

5801
5802
5803
5804
5805
5806
5807
5808
5809
5810
5811

5901
5902
5903
5904
5905
5906
5907
5908
5909
5910
5911

6001
6002

6101
6102
6103
6104
6105
6106
6107
6108
6109
6110
6111
6112
6113
6114
6115
6116
6117

6201
6202

81

Rates

15% (2)
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

0%
0%

5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
0%
5%
5%
5%
0%
5%
5%

0%
0%

Chapter
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62

63
63
63
63
63
63
63
63
63
63
63

HS Codes
6203
6204
6205
6206
6207
6208
6209
6210
6211
6212
6213
6214
6215
6216
6217

6301
6301 20
6302
6303
6304
6305
6306
6307
6308
6309
6310

Rates
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

0%
10%
20% (3)
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
5%
0%

(1) Rates in 1999: for carpets - 50%, for other textile floor coverings - 10%. Rates for carpets will
be reduced starting in the year 2000 in accordance with the schedule specified in Annex 2 to the
Agreed Minute.

(2) Rates for products of HS 5801 will be reduced starting in the year 2000 in accordance with
the schedule specified in Annex 2 to the Agreed Minute.

(3) Rates for products of HS 6302 will be reduced starting in the year 2000 in accordance with
the schedule specified in Annex 2 to the Agreed Minute.

82

ANNEX 2

to Agreed Minute

Schedule for alignment of Uzbekistan's tariff rates for products of chapters 57, 58 and 63
of the HS code

Reduction of tariffs of products of chapter HS 57

year

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

perc.

50% 30% 30% 30% 30% 30%

Reduction of tariffs of products of HS 5801

year

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

perc.

15% 12% 10% 8%

8%

8%

Reduction of tariffs of products of HS 6302

year

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

perc.

20% 20% 18% 17% 15% 15%

83

Appendix 5

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

The Mission of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the European Union presents its
compliments to the Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission and has
the honour to refer to the Note of the Directorate General (date of Note Verbale)
regarding the Agreement on trade in textile products initialled on 8 June 1993, as last
amended by the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters initialled on ….

The Mission of the Republic of Uzbekistan wishes to confirm to the Directorate General
that whilst awaiting the completion of the necessary procedures for the conclusion and
the
coming into force of the Agreement
Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan is prepared to allow the provisions of the
Agreement to be applied de facto from 1 January 2000. This is on the understanding that
either Party may at any time terminate this de facto application of the Agreement in the
form of an Exchange of Letters provided that four months notices is given.

in the form of an Exchange of Letters,

The Mission of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the European Union avails itself of this
opportunity to renew to the Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission
the assurance of its highest consideration.

84