Article 1 
1. The signing on behalf of the European Union of the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the SADC EPA States, of the other part is hereby authorised on behalf of the Union, subject to the conclusion of the said Agreement. 2. The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.
Article 2 
The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the Agreement on behalf of the Union.
Article 3 
1. As regards those elements falling within the competence of the Union, the Agreement shall be applied by the Union on a provisional basis as provided for in Article 113(3) thereof, pending the completion of the procedures for its conclusion. This does not prejudge the allocation of competences between the Union and its Member States in accordance with the Treaties. 2. Article 12(4) of the Agreement shall not be provisionally applied by the Union. 3. The Commission shall publish a notice indicating the date of provisional application of the Agreement.
Article 4 
The Agreement shall not be construed as conferring rights or imposing obligations which can be directly invoked before Union or Member State courts or tribunals.
Article 5 
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.