EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 28.9.2023

COM(2023) 562 final

2023/0338(NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Economic Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Kenya, Member of the East African Community of the one part, and the European Union of the other Part

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1.CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL

•Reasons for and objectives of the proposal

The attached proposal for a Council Decision constitutes the legal instrument for the conclusion of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the Republic of Kenya, member of the East African Community (EAC), of the one part, and the European Union (EU) of the other part (‘Kenya EPA’ or ‘the Agreement’).

The negotiated texts of the EPA have been made public and can be found on the following link:  https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/eu-trade-relationships-country-and-region/countries-and-regions/east-african-community-eac/eu-kenya-agreement/text-agreement_en .

The Agreement aims at the bilateral implementation of the provisions of the EPA between the EU and the EAC Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda), the ‘EU-EAC EPA’, for which negotiations were finalized on 16 October 2014. The EU, Kenya and Rwanda signed the EU-EAC EPA in September 2016, and Kenya ratified it the same month. However, the regional EU-EAC EPA was never provisionally applied, as not all EAC members signed and ratified the agreement (which was a requirement of the EU-EAC EPA for its entry into application).

In February 2021, the EAC Ordinary Summit of Heads of State decided to allow individual EAC countries to proceed with the bilateral implementation of the EU-EAC EPA under the principle of ‘variable geometry’. On 4 May 2021, Kenya notified the European Commission requesting to move forward in this sense.

On 17 February 2022, Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, on behalf of the EU, and Ambassador Raychelld Omamo, on behalf of Kenya, signed a Joint Statement at the margins of the EU-African Union Summit agreeing to advance negotiations on the EU-Kenya EPA, which will remain open for other EAC Partners States.

Negotiations aiming at introducing the necessary adjustments to bilaterally implement between Kenya and the EU the provisions of the EU-EAC EPA were concluded on 24 May 2023 at technical level, and on 19 June 2023 at political level during EVP Dombrovskis’ visit to Kenya. In the course of the negotiations, the Parties agreed to some adjustments to the original agreement that make it possible to implement it on a bilateral basis, including in the area of Rules of Origin (RoO) and development assistance. Moreover, a new Annex on Trade and Sustainable Development was added to the Agreement.

The foreseen conclusion of this Agreement comes at a timely moment.

Firstly, Kenya is a growing economy and a key regional economic player. Kenya is the ninth largest economy of the African continent and East Africa’s main economic hub. It achieved broad-based growth averaging 4.8% per year between 2015-2019, significantly reducing poverty, from 36.5% in 2005 to 27.2% in 2019. The economy staged a strong recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, with GDP growth projected at 5.5% in 2022 and the poverty rate resuming its trend decline after rising earlier in the pandemic. Looking ahead, Kenya’s medium-term growth remains bright according to World Bank. Real GDP is anticipated to rise to 5.0 % in 2023 and 5.2 % on average in 2024-25. This near-term growth forecast is above Kenya’s estimated potential GDP growth rate of 4.9 % and the pre-pandemic average (2010-2019) of 5.0 %. Real per capita incomes are expected to grow, increasing from 2.8 percent in 2022 to 3.1 %.

Thirdly, from a more geo-political perspective, Kenya increasingly plays a leading regional and international role – notably in promoting peace and security in the neighbouring countries and supporting the global sustainability agenda. The EU has identified Kenya as a key player for more engagement in regional affairs, notably in Ethiopia and Sudan 2 . Kenya hosts the only UN headquarters on the African continent (UN Environment Programme/UNEP and UN Human Settlements Programme/UN-Habitat) and had a temporary seat at the UN Security Council (2021-2022). Besides, Kenya has a pioneering role in sustainability efforts on the African continent and is a reliable ally in the fight against climate change. It co-leads the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate initiatives launched in 2023 together with the EU and other international partners.

In the light of the current international political context, the timely conclusion of these negotiations with a key partner like Kenya also sends a strong signal of the joint commitment to a rules-based trading system and sustainability.

•Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area

The above objectives are consistent with the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) that provides that the EU should “encourage the integration of all countries into the world economy, including through the progressive abolition of restrictions on international trade”. 3  

The conclusion of this Agreement is fully in line with the EU’s ambition to foster its trade relations with African partners as laid down in the EU’s Africa strategy (2020) 4 , the Trade Policy Review (2021) 5 and the Sustainable Trade Policy Review Communication (2022) 6 . 

In particular, this proposal implements the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States of the one part, and the European Union and its Member States, of the other part 7  (‘ACP-EU Partnership Agreement’), which calls for the conclusion of WTO-compatible Economic Partnership Agreements.

In fact, this Agreement aims at bilaterally implementing the provisions the EU- EAC EPA under the principle of ‘variable geometry’. The Agreement will remain open to accession of other EAC Partner States.

•Consistency with other Union policies

The objectives are consistent with other EU policies, notably the EU’s development and environmental policies.

The Kenya EPA is a development-oriented trade agreement. It offers asymmetric market access to Kenya, which allows it to shield sensitive sectors from liberalisation; it provides a large number of safeguards and a clause for infant industry protection; and it eliminates the use of export subsidies in trade between the Parties. These provisions contribute to the objective of Policy Coherence for Development and are consistent with Article 208(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

Besides, the Agreement includes an ambitiuos Trade and Sustainable Development chapter covering environmental, social, labour, human rights and gender equality issues. Hence, the objectives of the Agreement are in line with EU’s environmental, climate and social policies and with internationally agreed commitments.

2.LEGAL BASIS, SUBSIDIARITY AND PROPORTIONALITY

•Legal basis

As a result, the Agreement is to be signed by the Union pursuant to a decision of the Council based on Article 218(5) TFEU and concluded by the Union pursuant to a decision of the Council based on Article 218(6) TFEU, following the European Parliament’s consent.

•Subsidiarity (for non-exclusive competence) 

•Proportionality

Trade agreements are the appropriate means to govern market access and the related areas of comprehensive economic relations with a third country outside the EU. No alternative exists to render such commitments and liberalisation efforts legally binding.

•Choice of the instrument

This proposal is in accordance with Article 218(5) TFEU, which envisages the adoption by the Council of decisions on conclusion of international agreements. No other legal instrument exists that could be used in order to achieve the objective expressed in this proposal.

3.RESULTS OF EX-POST EVALUATIONS, STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

•Ex-post evaluations/fitness checks of existing legislation

•Stakeholder consultations

•Collection and use of expertise

•Impact assessment

•Regulatory fitness and simplification

•Fundamental rights

The proposal does not affect the protection of fundamental rights in the Union.

4.BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS

5.OTHER ELEMENTS

•Implementation plans and monitoring, evaluation and reporting arrangements

The Agreement includes institutional provisions which set up ministerial, senior official and technical bodies to oversee, steer and support its implementation, operation and impact and take necessary action.

At technical level, the Committee of Senior Officials may set up any specialised committees, working sessions, task forces or bodies to deal with matters arising under the agreement. The provisions of the agreement further set up on entry into force a Special Committee on Customs and Trade Facilitation which will monitor the implementation and administration of the Customs Cooperation and Trade Facilitation and Rules of origin (RoO) provisions. Besides, a Comprehensive Dialogue on Agriculture and Rural Development Policy will be established with the task of monitoring progress made in implementing the Agricultural chapter and providing a forum for exchange and cooperation on the Parties' respective domestic agricultural policies. On Trade and Sustainable Development, a Special Committee on Trade and Sustainable Development will be set up upon entry into force and tasked to facilitate, monitor and review the implementation of the respective annex.

The Agreement will give civil society representatives (private sector, business associations, trade unions, non-governmental organisations) a role in its implementation, including on the provisions on trade and sustainable development. Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs) will be established, comprising a balanced representation of independent civil society organisations including non-governmental organisations, business, and employers' organisations as well as trade unions active on economic, sustainable development, social, human rights, environmental and other matters. They will meet regularly and advise the respective party on the implementation of the Agreement. A Consultative Committee - a joint civil society advisory body in which the DAGs shall participate - will furthermore be set up and will assist the Committee of Senior Officials with a view to promoting dialogue and cooperation between representatives of civil society, the private sector and social and economic partners on matters arising under the Agreement.

Finally, the Commission’s Annual Implementation and Enforcement Report will cover the EU-Kenya EPA as of its entry into force.

•Explanatory documents (for directives)

•Detailed explanation of the specific provisions of the proposal

–Asymmetric removal of tariffs: whereas the EU grants free access to its market by removing tariffs and quotas (except arms), Kenya will open its market gradually, benefitting from transitional periods and exclusion of sensitive products from liberalisation.

–Temporary application to both parties’ trade of RoO of the Market Access Regulation (already applying to Kenya) until a new RoO Protocol will be negotiated upon entry into force of the Agreement and within five years of the implementation of the EPA. This new RoO Protocol will be based on EU-EAC EPA RoO, as foreseen by the Joint Statement on RoO.

–Provisions that consider Kenya’s development needs such as special safeguards on agriculture, measures on food security and infant industry protection.

–Customs-related provisions aiming at facilitating trade, promoting better customs legislation and procedures, providing support to the Kenyan customs administration and enhancing cooperation between customs institutions.

–Provisions on SPS to promote the harmonisation of intra-regional standards and to enhance Kenya’s technical capacity.

–An Economic and Development Cooperation chapter with provisions aiming to enhance the competitiveness of the Kenyan economy by building supply capacity and assisting Kenya in implementing the EPA smoothly. The original chapter of the EAC EPA has been largely preserved, with the necessary updates. An Annex specific to Kenya and the EU has been added and captures the changes to the regional agreement text.

–A dedicated TSD annex covering labour, gender equality, as well as environmental and climate matters with binding and enforceable (through a specific dispute settlement mechanism) commitments. The possibility to temporarily suspend obligations under the TSD annex (i.e. impose ‘sanctions’) is not included in the Agreement. However, in the Joint Statement on TSD the EU and Kenya explicitly committed to continue negotiations on this aspect in the context of the ‘rendez-vous clause’.

This Agreement will be reviewed after every five years from the date of its entry into force. The text of the EPA includes an undertaking to negotiate new areas to be included in the EPA (‘rendez-vous clause’), including provisions on trade in services, and trade-related rules addressing sustainable development, competition policy, investment and private sector development, intellectual property rights, transparency in public procurement. The results of the negotiations of these areas shall be envisaged to be added within five years following the entry into force of the Agreement.

2023/0338 (NLE)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Economic Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Kenya, Member of the East African Community of the one part, and the European Union of the other Part

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 207(4), first subparagraph, in conjunction with Article 218(6), point (a)(v) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission 9 ,

Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament 10 , 

Whereas:

(1)On 12 June 2002 the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations for Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.

(2)The negotiations between the European Union and the East African Community (‘EAC’) Partner States (Republic of Burundi, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda, the United Republic of Tanzania, and the Republic of Uganda) for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) were concluded 14 October 2014 and the EAC EPA was initialled on 16 October 2014.

(3)Kenya ratified and signed the EU-EAC EPA in September 2016. For the regional EPA to enter into force, all EAC members need to sign and ratify the agreement. To this date, signatures and ratification of three EAC members are still missing, preventing the regional agreement from entering into force.

(4)On 19 December 2019, the Council updated 2002 Commission’s negotiating directives by including the conclusion of a Trade and Sustainable Development chapter in EPAs.

(5)On 27 February 2021 the EAC Summit allowed individual EAC countries to proceed with the bilateral implementation of the EPA under the principle of ‘variable geometry’. On 4 May 2021 Kenya notified the Commission requesting to move forward in this sense.

(6)On 17 February 2022, Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, on behalf of the EU, and Ambassador Raychelld Omamo, on behalf of Kenya, signed a Joint Statement at the margins of the EU-African Union Summit agreeing to advance negotiations on the EU-Kenya EPA (‘the Agreement’), which will remain open for other EAC Partners States.

(7)On 24 May 2023, the negotiations for the Agreement between the European Union and Kenya were successfully concluded.

(8)In accordance with Council Decision No [..] of [..], the Agreement was signed on [..] subject to its conclusion at a later date.

(9)The Agreement has been provisionally applied since [..] pending its entry into force.

(10)The Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part 11 , calls for the conclusion of WTO-compatible Economic Partnership Agreements.

(11)The Agreement should be concluded on behalf of the European Union,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The Economic Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Kenya, Member of the East African Community, of the one part, and the European Union and its Member States, of the other part ('the Agreement'), is hereby concluded.

The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision.

Article 2

The Council Secretariat General shall designate the person empowered to proceed, on behalf of the Union, to the notification provided for in Article 139 of the Agreement, in order to express the consent of the European Union to be bound by the Agreement 12 .

Article 3

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 4

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Brussels,

(1)    Over 2015-2019, Kenya's economic growth averaged 5.7%, making it one of the fastest growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The performance of the economy has been boosted by a stable macroeconomic environment, positive investor confidence and a resilient services sector. (source: World Bank).

(2)    In May 2021, the Council Conclusions on the Horn of Africa have identified Kenya as a key partner to pursue an agenda of shared values and interests, promoting peace and security, prosperity and democratic stability in the region, as well as multilateralism.

(3)    Article 21(2)(e) TEU.

(4)    JOINT COMMUNICATION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL “Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa”, communication-eu-africa-strategy-join-2020-4-final_en.pdf (europa.eu)

(5)    COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Trade Policy Review – An open, sustainable and assertive trade policy EUR-Lex - 52021DC0066 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu)

(6)     https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52022DC0409&qid=1656586727707

(7)    OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3 Agreement as amended by the Agreement signed in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005 (OJ L 209, 11.8.2005, p. 27) and by the Agreement signed in Ouagadougou on 22 June 2010 (OJ L 287, 4.11.2010, p. 3).

(8)    COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2020/13 of 19 December 2019 amending the negotiating directives for the negotiation of Economic Partnership Agreements with the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries and regions, to the extent that they fall within the competence of the Union, OJ L6/101, 10.1.2020. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2020.006.01.0101.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2020%3A006%3ATOC  

(9)    OJ C […], […], p. […].

(10)    OJ C […], […], p. […].

(11)    OJ L 287, 4.11.2010, p. 3 Agreement as amended by the Agreement signed in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005 (OJ L 209, 11.8.2005, p. 27) and by the Agreement signed in Ouagadougou on 22 June 2010 (OJ L 287, 4.11.2010, p. 3).

(12)    The date of entry into force of the Agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union by the General Secretariat of the Council.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 28.9.2023

COM(2023) 562 final

ANNEX

to the

Proposal for a Council Decision

on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Economic Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Kenya, Member of the East African Community of the one part, and the European Union of the other Part

ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA, MEMBER OF THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY,

OF THE ONE PART,

AND THE EUROPEAN UNION,

OF THE OTHER PART

PARTIES TO THE AGREEMENT

THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA

(hereinafter referred to as "the EAC Partner State"

   of the one part, and

THE EUROPEAN UNION,

(hereinafter referred to as the "EU"),

   of the other part

RECALLING their commitments within the framework of the World Trade Organisation, hereinafter referred to as the "WTO Agreement";

HAVING REGARD TO the Agreement establishing the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States, signed in Georgetown on 6 June 1975;

HAVING REGARD TO the Partnership Agreement between the Members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000, as first amended in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005 and as amended for the second time in Ouagadougou on 22 June 2010, hereinafter referred to as the "Cotonou Agreement", and its successor agreement;

HAVING REGARD TO the Treaty Establishing the East African Community (EAC) signed in Arusha on 30 November 1999 and its Protocol on the Establishment of the East African Community Customs Union;

HAVING REGARD TO the Economic Partnership Agreement between the East African Community Partner States, of the one part, and the European Union and its Member States of the other part, whose negotiations were finalised on 16 October 2014 (hereinafter referred to as "EU-EAC EPA");

REITERATING their desire for a wider unity of Africa and the achievement of the objectives of the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community;

HAVING REGARD TO the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU);

CONSIDERING that the EAC Partner State(s) and the EU have agreed that their trade and economic cooperation shall aim at fostering the smooth and gradual integration of the ACP States into the world economy with due regard to their political choices, levels of development and development priorities, thereby promoting their sustainable development and contributing to the eradication of poverty in the EAC Partner State(s);

REAFFIRMING also that this Agreement shall be consistent with the objectives and principles of the Cotonou Agreement and, in particular, with the provisions of Part 3, Title II thereof, on Economic and Trade Cooperation, and the corresponding provisions of its successor agreement;

REAFFIRMING that this Agreement shall serve as an instrument of development and shall promote sustained growth, increase the production and supply-side capacity of the EAC Partner State(s), foster structural transformation of the EAC Partner State(s)' economies and their diversification and competitiveness and lead to the development of trade, the attraction of investment, technology and the creation of employment in the EAC Partner State(s);

REITERATING the need to ensure that particular emphasis shall be placed on regional integration and the provision of special and differential treatment to all EAC Partner State(s), while maintaining special treatment for least developed EAC Partner State(s);

RECOGNISING that substantial investment is required to raise the standards of living of the EAC Partner State(s);

REITERATING that this Agreement aims to implement the provisions of theEconomic Partnership Agreement between the EU and EAC;

HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

ARTICLE 1

Scope of the Agreement

The Parties hereby establish an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). This Agreement covers:

(a)    General Provisions

(b)    Trade in Goods

(c)    Fisheries

(d)    Agriculture

(e)    Economic and Development Cooperation

(f)    Institutional Provisions

(g)    Dispute Avoidance and Settlement

(h)    General Exceptions

(i)    General and Final Provisions

(j)    Annexes, Protocols and Joint Statements to the above

ARTICLE 2

Objectives

1.    The objectives of this Agreement are to:

(a)    contribute to economic growth and development through the establishment of a strengthened and strategic trade and development partnership consistent with the objective of sustainable development;

(b)    promote regional integration, economic cooperation and good governance in the EAC Partner State(s);

(c)    promote the gradual integration of the EAC Partner State(s) into the world economy, in conformity with their political choices and development priorities;

(d)    foster the structural transformation of the EAC Partner State(s)’ economies, and their diversification and competitiveness by enhancing their production, supply and trading capacity;

(e)    improve the EAC Partner State(s)’ capacity in trade policy and trade‑related issues;

(f)    establish and implement an effective, predictable and transparent regulatory framework for trade and investment in the EAC Partner State(s), thus supporting the conditions for increasing investment and private sector initiative; and

(g)    strengthen the existing relations between the Parties on the basis of solidarity and mutual interest. To this end, consistent with their WTO rights and obligations, this Agreement shall enhance commercial and economic relations, support a new trading dynamic between the Parties by means of the progressive, asymmetrical liberalisation of trade between them and reinforce, broaden and deepen cooperation in all areas relevant to trade and investment.

2.    This Agreement also aims, consistent with Articles 34 and 35 of the Cotonou Agreement and the corresponding provisions of its successor agreement to:

(a)    establish an agreement consistent with Article XXIV of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 ("GATT 1994");

(b)    facilitate continuation of trade by the EAC Partner State(s) under terms no less favourable than those under the Cotonou Agreement or its successor agreement;

(c)    establish the framework and scope of potential negotiation in relation to other issues including trade in services, trade‑related issues as identified in the Cotonou Agreement or its successor agreement and any other areas of interest to both Parties;

ARTICLE 3

Rendez-vous Clause

The Parties undertake to conclude the negotiations in the subject matters listed below, within five (5) years from the entry into force of this Agreement:

(a)    Trade in services;

(b)    Trade-related issues, namely:

(i)    Competition policy;

(ii)    Investment and private sector development;

(iii)    Trade, environment and sustainable development;

(iv)    Intellectual property rights;

(v)    Transparency in public procurement;

(c)    Any other areas that the Parties may agree upon.

ARTICLE 4

Principles

This Agreement is based on the following principles:

(a)    building on the acquis of the Cotonou Agreement and its successor agreement;

(b)    strengthening integration in the EAC Region;

(c)    ensuring asymmetry, in favour of the EAC Partner State(s), in the liberalisation of trade and in the application of trade‑related measures and trade defence instruments;

(d)    allowing the EAC Partner State(s) to maintain regional preferences with other African countries and regions without an obligation to extend them to the EU; and

(e)    contributing to enhance the production, supply and trading capacity of the EAC Partner State(s).

PART II

TRADE IN GOODS

ARTICLE 5

Scope and Objectives

1.    The provisions of this Part shall apply to all goods originating in the EU and EAC Partner State(s).

2.    The objectives in the area of trade in goods are to:

(a)    provide full duty‑free and quota‑free market access conditions for goods originating in the EAC Partner State(s) into the market of the EU on a secure, long‑term and predictable basis in accordance with the modalities established in this Agreement;

(b)    liberalise progressively and gradually the EAC Partner State(s) market(s) for goods originating from the EU in accordance with the modalities established in this Agreement; and

(c)    preserve and improve market access conditions to ensure that the EAC Partner State(s) fully benefit from the EPA.

TITLE I

CUSTOMS DUTIES AND FREE MOVEMENT OF GOODS

ARTICLE 6

Customs duty

1.    A customs duty shall include any duty or charge of any kind imposed on or in connection with the importation of goods and any form of surtax or surcharge in connection with such importation, but shall not include:

(a)    charges equivalent to internal taxes levied on both imported and locally produced goods consistent with the provisions of Article 20;

(b)    anti-dumping, countervailing or safeguard measures applied in accordance with the provisions of Title VI; and,

(c)    fees or other charges imposed in accordance with the provisions of Article 8.

2.    The basic customs duty to which the successive reductions are to be applied shall be that specified in each Party's tariff liberalisation schedule for each product.

ARTICLE 7

Classification of goods

1.    The classification of goods in trade covered by this Agreement shall be that set out in each Party's respective tariff nomenclature in conformity with the International Convention on the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System ("HS").

2.    The Parties shall exchange all necessary information, within a period of three months after a tariff modification or a change in the HS, on their applied customs duties and the corresponding nomenclatures with those products listed in Annexes I and II.

ARTICLE 8

Fees and other charges

Fees and other charges referred to in Article 6(1)(c), shall be limited in amount to the approximate cost of services rendered and shall not represent an indirect protection for domestic products or a taxation of imports for fiscal purposes. Trade-related fees and charges shall not be imposed for consular services.

ARTICLE 9

Rules of origin

1.    For the purposes of this Part, the term "originating" means qualifying as "originating" under the applicable law of the importing Party. 1   2  

2.    The EPA Council shall, by decision, adopt a protocol governing the rules of origin at the latest 5 years after entry into force of this Agreement. Paragraph 1 shall cease to apply from the moment that this protocol becomes applicable.

3. If at the end of the five-year period referred to in paragraph 2 the Parties have not adopted the above-mentioned protocol, the EPA Council shall assess the application of paragraph 1 and may decide to extend the afore-mentioned period.

ARTICLE 10

Customs duties on products originating in the EAC Partner State(s)

Products originating in the EAC Partner State(s) shall be imported into the EU free of customs duties, under the conditions set out in Annex I.

ARTICLE 11

Customs duties on products originating in the EU

Products originating in the EU shall be imported into the EAC Partner State(s) under the conditions set out in the schedule of tariff liberalisation in Annex II.

ARTICLE 12

Standstill

1.    The Parties agree not to increase their applied customs duties for products subject to liberalisation under this Agreement, with the exception of measures adopted in accordance with Articles 48, 49 and 50.

2.    In order to preserve the prospect for the wider African regional integration processes, the Parties may decide in the EPA Council to modify the level of customs duties stipulated in Annexes II(a), II(b) and II(c), which may be applied to a product originating in the EU upon its importation into the EAC Partner State(s). The Parties shall ensure that any such modification does not result in an incompatibility of this Agreement with the requirements of Article XXIV of GATT 1994.

ARTICLE 13

Movement of goods

1.    Customs duties shall be imposed once for goods originating in one Party into the territory of the other Party.

2.    Any duty paid upon importation into an EAC Partner State shall be refunded fully for the goods that leave the EAC Partner State of first importation to another EAC Partner State. The duty shall be paid in the EAC Partner State of consumption of the goods.

3.    The Parties agree on cooperation to facilitate the movement of goods and simplify customs procedures.

ARTICLE 14

Export Duties and Taxes

1.    A Party shall not institute any new duties or taxes in connection with the exportation of goods to the other Party that are in excess of those imposed on like products destined for internal sale.

2.    Notwithstanding paragraph 1, the EAC Partner State(s) can impose, after notifying the EU, a temporary duty or tax in connection with the exportation of goods under the following circumstances:

(a)    to foster the development of domestic industry;

(b)    to maintain currency stability, when the increase in the world price of an export commodity creates the risk of a currency overvaluation or

(c)    to protect revenue, food security and environment.

3.    Such taxes should be enforced on a limited number of products for a limited period of time and shall be reviewed by the EPA Council for renewal after 48 months.

4.    Any more favourable treatment consisting in or in relation to taxes applied by the EAC Partner State(s) to exports of any products destined for any major trading economy shall, from the entry into force of this Agreement, be accorded to the like product destined for the territory of the EU.

5.    For the purposes of this Article and Article 15, "major trading economy" means any developed country, or any country accounting for a share of world merchandise exports above 1 percent in the year before the entry into force of the free trade agreement referred to in Article 15, or any group of countries acting individually, collectively or through a free trade agreement accounting collectively for a share of world merchandise exports above 1,5 percent in the year before the entry into force of the free trade agreement referred to in Article 15 3 .

ARTICLE 15

More favourable treatment resulting from a free trade agreement

1.    With respect to the goods covered by this Part, the EU shall accord to the EAC Partner State(s) any more favourable treatment applicable as a result of the EU becoming party to a free trade agreement with a third party after the signature of this Agreement.

2.    With respect to the goods covered by this Part, the EAC Partner State(s) shall accord to the EU any more favourable treatment applicable as a result of the EAC Partner State(s) becoming party to a free trade agreement with any major trading economy after the signature of this Agreement. Provided that the EU can demonstrate that it has been given less favourable treatment than that offered by the EAC Partner State(s) to any other major trading economy, the Parties shall to the extent possible, consult and jointly decide on how best to implement the provisions of this paragraph on a case-by-case basis.

3.    The provisions of this Part shall not be so construed as to oblige the Parties to extend reciprocally any preferential treatment applicable as a result of one of them being party to a free trade agreement with a third party on the date of signature of this Agreement.

4.    The provisions of paragraph 2 shall not apply in respect of trade agreements between the EAC Partner State(s) with countries of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Groups, or other African countries and regions.

5.    For the purposes of this Article, "free trade agreement" means an agreement substantially liberalising trade and substantially eliminating discriminatory measures and / or prohibiting new or more discriminatory measures among Parties at the entry into force of that agreement or within a reasonable time frame.

ARTICLE 16

Special provisions on administrative cooperation

1.    The Parties agree that administrative cooperation is essential for the implementation and control of the preferential treatment granted under this Part and underline their commitment to combat irregularities and fraud in customs and related matters.

2.    Where a Party has made a finding, on the basis of objective information, of a failure to provide administrative cooperation and/or of irregularities or fraud, the Party concerned may temporarily suspend the relevant preferential treatment of the product(s) concerned in accordance with this Article.

3.    For the purpose of this Article, a failure to provide administrative cooperation shall mean, inter alia:

(a)    a repeated failure to respect the obligations to verify the originating status of the product(s) concerned;

(b)    a repeated refusal or undue delay in carrying out and/or communicating the results of subsequent verification of the proof of origin;

(c)    a repeated refusal or undue delay in obtaining authorisation to conduct administrative cooperation missions to verify the authenticity of documents or accuracy of information relevant to the granting of the preferential treatment in question.

4.    A finding of irregularities or fraud may be made, inter alia, where there is a rapid increase, without satisfactory explanation, in imports of goods exceeding the usual level of production and export capacity of the other Party that is linked to objective information concerning irregularities or fraud.

5.    The application of a temporary suspension shall be subject to the following conditions:

(a)    The Party which has made a finding, on the basis of objective information, of a failure to provide administrative cooperation and/or of irregularities or fraud shall without undue delay notify the Committee of Senior Officials, established under Article 106 (hereinafter "the Committee of Senior Officials") of its finding together with the objective information and enter into consultations within the Committee of Senior Officials, on the basis of all relevant information and objective findings, with a view to reaching a solution acceptable to both Parties.

(b)    Where the Parties have entered into consultations within the Committee of Senior Officials as above and have failed to agree on an acceptable solution within three (3) months following the notification, the Party concerned may temporarily suspend the relevant preferential treatment of the product(s) concerned. A temporary suspension shall be notified to the EPA Council without undue delay.

(c)    Temporary suspensions under this Article shall be limited to that necessary to protect the financial interests of the Party concerned. They shall not exceed a period of six (6) months, and may be renewed. They shall be subject to periodic consultations within the Committee of Senior Officials in particular with a view to their termination as soon as the conditions for their application no longer exist.

6.    At the same time as the notification to the Committee of Senior Officials under paragraph 5(a) of this Article, the Party concerned should publish a notice to importers in its Official Journal. The notice to importers should indicate for the product concerned that there is a finding, on the basis of objective information, of a failure to provide administrative cooperation and/or of irregularities or fraud.

ARTICLE 17

Management of administrative errors

In case of error by the competent authorities in the proper management of the preferential system of export, and in particular in the application of the rules of origin applicable for the purposes of this Agreement concerning the definition of the concept of "originating products" and methods of administrative cooperation, where this error leads to consequences in terms of import duties, the Party facing such consequences may request the Committee of Senior Officials to examine the possibilities of adopting all appropriate measures with a view to resolving the situation.

ARTICLE 18

Customs Valuation

1.    Article VII of GATT 1994 and the Agreement on the implementation of Article VII of GATT 1994 shall govern customs valuation rules applied to trade between the Parties.

2.    The Parties shall cooperate with a view to reaching a common approach to issues relating to customs valuation.

TITLE II

NON-TARIFF MEASURES

ARTICLE 19

Prohibition of quantitative restrictions

1.    All prohibitions or restrictions on the importation, exportation or sale for export between the Parties, other than customs duties, taxes, fees and other charges provided for under Article 6, whether made effective through quotas, import or export licenses or other measures, shall be eliminated upon the entry into force of this Agreement. No new such measures shall be introduced in trade between the Parties. The provisions of this Article shall be without prejudice to the provisions of Title VI of this Part.

2.    The provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article shall not extend to the following:

(a)    Export prohibitions or restrictions temporarily applied to prevent or relieve critical shortages of foodstuffs or other products essential to the exporting contracting party;

(b)    Import and export prohibitions or restrictions necessary to the application of standards or regulations for the classification, grading or marketing of commodities in international trade.

ARTICLE 20

National treatment on internal taxation and regulation

1.    Imported products originating in one Party shall not be subject, either directly or indirectly, to internal taxes or other internal charges of any kind in excess of those applied, directly or indirectly, to like domestic products of the other Party. Moreover, the Parties shall not otherwise apply internal taxes or other internal charges so as to afford protection to their respective production.

2.    Imported products originating in one Party shall be accorded treatment no less favourable than that accorded to like domestic products of the other Party in respect of all laws, regulations and requirements affecting their internal sale, offering for sale, purchase, transportation, distribution or use. The provisions of this paragraph shall not prevent the application of differential internal transportation charges, which are based exclusively on the economic operation of the means of transport and not on the origin of the product.

3.    Neither Party shall establish or maintain any internal quantitative regulation relating to the mixture, processing or use of products in specified amounts or proportions which requires, directly or indirectly, that any specified amount or proportion of any product which is the subject of the regulation must be supplied from domestic sources. Moreover, neither Party shall apply internal quantitative regulations so as to afford protection to their respective production.

4.    The provisions of this Article shall not prevent the payment of subsidies exclusively to national producers, including payments to national producers derived from the proceeds of internal taxes or charges applied consistently with the provisions of this Article and subsidies effected through governmental purchases of national products.

5.    The provisions of this Article shall not apply to laws, regulations, procedures or practices governing public procurement.

ARTICLE 21

Good Governance in the Tax Area

The Parties recognise the importance of cooperation on the principles of good governance in the area of taxation through the relevant authorities in line with their respective national laws and regulations.

TITLE III

CUSTOMS COOPERATION AND TRADE FACILITATION

ARTICLE 22

Scope and objectives

1.    The Parties acknowledge the importance of customs cooperation and trade facilitation matters in the evolving global trading environment and agree:

(a)    to reinforce cooperation and ensure that the relevant legislation and procedures, as well as the administrative capacity of the relevant administrations, fulfil the objective of promoting trade facilitation.

(b)    that the EAC Partner State(s) need transitional periods and capacity building to smoothly implement the provisions of this Title.

2.    The objectives of this Title are to:

(a)    facilitate trade between the Parties,

(b)    promote harmonisation of customs legislation and procedures at regional level,

(c)    provide support to the EAC Partner State(s) to strengthen trade facilitation,

(d)    provide support to the EAC Partner State(s)' customs administrations to implement this Agreement and other international customs best practices, and

(e)    enhance cooperation between the Parties' customs authorities and other related border agencies.

ARTICLE 23

Customs cooperation and mutual administrative assistance

1.    In order to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Title and effectively respond to the objectives laid down in Article 22, the Parties shall:

(a)    exchange information on customs legislation and procedures;

(b)    develop joint initiatives in mutually agreed areas;

(c)    cooperate in the following areas:

(i)    modernisation of customs systems and procedures, as well as reduction of customs clearance time;

(ii)    simplification and harmonisation of customs procedures and trade formalities, including those related to import, export and transit;

(iii)    enhancement of regional transit systems;

(iv)    enhancement of transparency in accordance with Article 24(3);

(v)    capacity building including financial and technical assistance to the EAC Partner State(s),

(vi)    any other area of customs as may be agreed by the Parties.

(d)    establish, as far as possible, common positions in international organisations in the field of customs and trade facilitation, such as the WTO, World Customs Organisation (WCO), United Nations (UN) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

(e)    promote coordination between all related agencies, both internally and across borders.

2.    Notwithstanding paragraph 1, the Parties shall provide each other mutual administrative assistance in customs matters in accordance with the provisions of Protocol 1.

ARTICLE 24

Customs Legislation and Procedures

1.    The Parties agree that their respective trade and customs legislation and procedures shall draw upon international instruments and standards applicable in the field of customs and trade, including the substantive elements of the revised Kyoto Convention on the Simplification and Harmonisation of Customs Procedures, the substantive elements of the WCO Framework of Standards to secure and Facilitate Global Trade, the WCO data set and the HS Convention.

2.    The Parties agree that their respective trade and customs legislation and procedures shall be based upon:

(a)    the need to protect and facilitate legitimate trade through effective enforcement of, and compliance with, the requirements set out in the customs legislation;

(b)    the need to avoid unnecessary and discriminatory burdens on economic operators, to protect against fraud and corruption, and to provide further facilitation for operators that meet high levels of compliance with customs legislation and procedures;

(c)    the need to use a single administrative document or electronic equivalent, for the purposes of establishing customs declarations in the EU and in the EAC Partner State(s) respectively;

(d)    modern customs techniques, including risk assessment, simplified procedures for entry and release of goods, post release controls, and audits;

(e)    the progressive development of systems, including those based upon information technology, for export import and transit operations, to facilitate the exchange of information between economic operators, customs administrations and other agencies;

(f)    the principle that penalties imposed for minor breaches of customs regulations or procedural requirements are proportionate and do not give rise to undue delays in their application in customs clearance;

(g)    a system of binding rulings on customs matters, in particular on tariff classification and rules of origin, in accordance with the rules laid down in regional and/or national legislation;

(h)    the need to apply fees and charges that are commensurate with the service provided in relation to any specific transaction, and not be calculated on an ad valorem basis. Fees and charges shall not be imposed on consular services in respect of trade in goods;

(i)    the elimination of any requirement for the mandatory use of pre-shipment inspections as defined by the WTO Agreement on Pre-shipment Inspection, or their equivalent;

(j)    the elimination of all requirements for the mandatory use of customs brokers, as well as transparent, non-discriminatory and proportionate rules for their licensing.

3.    In order to improve working methods and to ensure the transparency and efficiency of customs operations, the Parties shall:

(a)    take further steps towards the simplification and standardisation of documentation and trade formalities to enable the rapid release and clearance of goods;

(b)    provide effective, prompt and non-discriminatory procedures enabling the right of appeal against customs and other agency administrative actions, rulings and decisions affecting imports, exports or goods in transit. Such procedures shall be easily accessible to all enterprises;

(c)    ensure that integrity is maintained, through the application of measures reflecting the principles of the relevant international conventions and instruments.

ARTICLE 25

Facilitation of transit movements

1.    The Parties shall ensure freedom of transit through their territory via the most convenient routes. Any restriction, control or requirement shall be non-discriminatory, proportionate and applied uniformly.

2.    A Party may require that traffic in transit through its territory be entered at the proper customs house through designated routes. Should a Party require the use of such routes, it shall do it in full compliance with Article V(3) of GATT 1994.

3.    Without prejudice to legitimate customs controls, a Party shall accord no less favourable treatment for goods in transit from the territory of the other Party than that accorded to domestic goods.

4.    The Parties shall operate bonded transport regimes that allow the transit of goods without payment of customs duties or other charges having an equivalent effect, subject to the provision of an appropriate guarantee in accordance with regional and/or national customs legislation.

5.    The Parties shall promote and implement regional transit arrangements.

6.    The Parties shall promote coordination between all concerned agencies, both internally and across borders.

7.    The legislation of the Parties shall draw upon international standards and instruments relevant to transit.

ARTICLE 26

Relations with the Business Community

The Parties agree to:

(a)    ensure that all legislation, procedures and fees and charges are made publicly available, as far as possible through electronic or any other appropriate means, and whenever possible provide necessary clarifications;

(b)    regularly consult in a timely manner with trade representatives on legislative proposals and procedures related to customs and trade issues;

(c)    introduce new or amended legislation and procedures in a way that allows traders to become well prepared for complying with them;

(d)    make publicly available relevant notices of an administrative nature, including agency requirements and entry procedures, hours of operation and operating procedures for customs offices at ports and border crossing points, and points of contact for information enquiries;

(e)    foster cooperation between operators and relevant administrations via the use of non-arbitrary and publicly accessible procedures, such as Memoranda of Understanding, based upon those promulgated by the WCO;

(f)    ensure that their respective customs and related requirements and procedures continue to meet the needs of the trading community, follow best practices, and remain as little trade-restrictive as possible.

ARTICLE 27

Transitional provisions

1.    In view of the need to enhance EAC Partner State(s)' capacity in the area of Customs and Trade Facilitation and without prejudice to their WTO commitments, the Parties agree that the EAC Partner State(s) shall benefit from a transitional period of five (5) years after the entry into force of this Agreement to meet the obligations in Articles 23, 24 and 25.

2.    This transitional period can be further extended by authorisation of the EPA Council.

ARTICLE 28

Harmonisation of Customs Standards at Regional Level

The Parties acknowledge and recognise the importance of consolidating the harmonisation of customs standards and trade facilitation measures at regional level, including the initiation of reforms in the field of customs and trade facilitation where necessary.

ARTICLE 29

Special Committee on Customs and Trade Facilitation

1.    The Parties hereby establish a Special Committee on Customs and Trade Facilitation, composed of their representatives, which shall:

(a)    meet on a date and with an agenda agreed in advance by the Parties;

(b)    be chaired alternately by either Party; and

(c)    report to the EPA Council.

2.    The functions of the Special Committee on Customs and Trade Facilitation shall include:

(a)    monitoring the implementation and administration of this Title and of Article 9;

(b)    providing a forum to consult and discuss all issues concerning customs, including rules of origin, general customs procedures, customs valuation, tariff classification, transit and mutual administrative assistance in customs matters;

(c)    enhancing cooperation on the development, application and enforcement of rules of origin and related customs procedures, general customs procedures and mutual administrative assistance in customs matters;

(d)    enhancing cooperation on capacity building and technical assistance;

(e)    any other issues agreed by the Parties in respect of this Title.

TITLE IV

SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES

ARTICLE 30

Scope and definitions

1.    The provisions of this Title apply to measures covered by the World Trade Organisation Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (the WTO SPS Agreement). 

2.    For the purpose of this Title, unless otherwise provided, the definitions of the WTO SPS Agreement, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the World Animal Health Organisation and International Plant Protection Convention shall apply.

ARTICLE 31

Objectives

The objectives in the area of application of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures are to:

(a)    facilitate the Parties' inter-regional and intra-regional trade, whilst safeguarding human, animal and plant life or health in accordance with the WTO SPS Agreement;

(b)    address problems arising from SPS measures on agreed priority sectors and products giving due consideration to regional integration;

(c)    establish procedures and modalities for facilitating cooperation in SPS matters;

(d)    ensure transparency as regards SPS measures applicable to trade between and within the Parties;

(e)    promote intra-regional harmonisation of measures with international standards, in accordance with the WTO SPS Agreement, and the development of appropriate policies, legislative, regulatory and institutional frameworks within the EAC Partner State(s);

(f)    enhance the effective participation of EAC Partner State(s) in the Codex Alimentarius Commission, World Animal Health Organisation and International Plant Protection Convention;

(g)    promote consultation and exchanges between the EAC Partner State(s) and EU institutions and laboratories;

(h)    facilitate the development of capacity for setting and implementing regional and national standards in accordance with international requirements in order to facilitate regional integration;

(i)    establish and enhance the EAC Partner State(s)' capacity to implement and monitor SPS measures pursuant to the provisions of Title VI of Part V on Economic and Development Cooperation; and

(j)    promote technology transfer.

ARTICLE 32

Rights and Obligations

1.    The Parties reaffirm their rights and obligations under the international
treaties and agreements relating to this Title to which they are party.

2.    Each Party shall:

(a)    have the sovereign right to implement SPS measures, provided that such measures are consistent with the provisions of the WTO SPS Agreement;

(b)    consult the other Party prior to the introduction of any new SPS measures, through the notification mechanisms provided for in the WTO SPS Agreement and, if and when appropriate, through the Parties' contact points;

(c)    support the other Party in gathering information needed to make informed decisions;

(d)    promote linkages, joint ventures, joint research and development between the EAC Partner State(s) and EU institutions and laboratories.

ARTICLE 33

Scientific Justification of Measures

Subject to the provisions of this Title, the Parties shall ensure that the introduction, alteration or modification of any SPS measure in their territories shall be based on scientific justifications and comply with the WTO SPS Agreement.

ARTICLE 34

Harmonisation

1.    The Parties shall aim to achieve harmonisation of their respective rules and procedures for formulation of their SPS measures, including inspection, testing and certification procedures, in accordance with the WTO SPS Agreement.

2.    The Committee of Senior Officials shall develop modalities to assist and to monitor this process of harmonisation.

ARTICLE 35

Equivalence

The Parties shall apply the principles of equivalence according to the provisions of the WTO SPS Agreement. For this purpose, each Party shall give reasonable access, upon request, to the other Party for inspection, testing and other relevant procedures.

ARTICLE 36

Zoning and Compartmentalisation

The Parties shall recognise, on a case by case basis, designated areas, which are free from pests or diseases or areas of low pest or disease prevalence as potential sources of plant and animal products taking into account the provisions of Article 6 of the WTO SPS Agreement.

ARTICLE 37

Notification, Enquiry and Transparency

1.    The Parties shall be transparent in their application of SPS measures in accordance with the WTO SPS Agreement.

2.    The Parties recognise the importance of effective mechanisms for consultation, notification and exchange of information with respect to SPS measures in accordance with the WTO SPS Agreement.

3.    The importing Party shall inform the exporting Party of any changes in its SPS import requirements that may affect trade falling under the scope of this Title. The Parties also undertake to establish mechanisms for the exchange of such information.

ARTICLE 38

Conformity Assessment

The Parties shall, for the purpose of ensuring compliance with SPS standards, agree on procedures for conformity assessment.

ARTICLE 39

Information Exchange and Transparency of Trade Conditions

Cooperation shall include:

(a)    Information sharing and consultation on changes to SPS measures which may affect products of export interest to either Party.

(b)    Exchange of information on other areas of potential relevance to their trade relations, including rapid alerts, scientific opinions and events upon specific request.

(c)    Advance notice to ensure that the EAC Partner State(s) are informed of new SPS measures that may affect the EAC Partner State(s) exports to the EU. This system shall build on existing mechanisms under WTO obligations, especially Article 7 of the WTO SPS Agreement.

(d)    Promotion of transparency as regards the sampling, analysis and action following official controls on feed and food from either Party.

ARTICLE 40

Competent Authorities

1.    The respective SPS authorities of the Parties shall be the Competent Authorities in the EAC Partner State(s) and the EU for the implementation of the measures referred to in this Title.

 2.    The Competent Authorities referred to in paragraph 1 shall have the roles conferred upon them under the WTO SPS Agreement.

3.    The Parties shall notify each other of their respective Competent Authorities referred to in paragraph 1 and any changes thereto.

TITLE V

STANDARDS, TECHNICAL REGULATIONS AND CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT

ARTICLE 41

Scope and definitions

1.    The provisions of this Title shall apply to the preparation, adoption and application of technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment, as defined in the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement (TBT Agreement).

2.    For the purpose of this Title the definitions of the TBT Agreement shall apply.

ARTICLE 42

Rights and obligations

1.    The Parties reaffirm their rights and obligations under the TBT Agreement, while taking account of their rights and commitments under other international arrangements to which both the EAC Partner State(s) and the EU are parties, including in particular those relating to the protection of the environment and biodiversity.

2.    The Parties shall ensure that technical regulations are not prepared, adopted or applied with a view to, or with an effect of, creating unnecessary obstacles to trade between them, in accordance with the provisions of the TBT Agreement.

ARTICLE 43

Mutual Recognition Agreements

The Parties may negotiate mutual recognition agreements in sectors of mutual economic interest.

ARTICLE 44

Transparency and Notification

1.    The Parties reaffirm their obligations concerning the notification and sharing of information about technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures as provided for by the TBT Agreement.

2.    The Parties shall exchange information on issues of potential relevance to their trade relations, including rapid alerts, scientific opinions and events through enquiry points.

3.    The Parties may cooperate in the establishment and maintenance of enquiry points, and in the setting up and maintenance of common data bases.

ARTICLE 45

Harmonisation

The Parties shall endeavour to harmonise their standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures.

ARTICLE 46

Conformity Assessment

1.    The Parties reaffirm their commitments on conformity assessment in accordance with the TBT Agreement.

2.    The Parties may consider, taking account of the extent of alignment of their technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment infrastructures, the negotiation of agreements on the mutual recognition of conformity assessment procedures.

ARTICLE 47

Technical Regulatory Bodies

1.    The Regulatory Bodies of the EAC Partner State(s) shall be the competent authorities in the EAC Partner State(s) for the implementation of the measures referred to in this Title that have the responsibility and competence for ensuring or supervising the implementation of standardisation, metrology, accreditation and conformity assessment.

2.    The body responsible in the EU for the implementation of this Title is the European Commission.

3.    The EAC Partner State(s) shall notify the EU of their Technical Regulatory Bodies in accordance with this Agreement.

TITLE VI

TRADE DEFENCE MEASURES

ARTICLE 48

Anti-dumping and countervailing measures

1.    Subject to the provisions of this Article, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the EU or the EAC Partner State(s), whether individually or collectively, from adopting anti-dumping or countervailing measures in accordance with the relevant WTO agreements. For the purpose of this Article, origin shall be determined in accordance with the non-preferential rules of origin of the Parties.

2.    Before imposing definitive anti-dumping or countervailing duties in respect of products imported from either Party, the Parties shall consider the possibility of constructive remedies as provided for in the relevant WTO agreements.

3.    Where an anti-dumping or countervailing measure has been imposed by either Party, there shall be one single forum of judicial review, including at the stage of appeals.

4.    Where anti-dumping or countervailing measures can be imposed on a regional basis and on a national basis, where applicable, the Parties shall ensure that such measures are not applied simultaneously in respect of the same product by regional authorities on the one hand, and national authorities on the other.

5.    Either Party shall notify the exporting Party of the receipt of a properly documented complaint before initiating any investigation.

6.    The provisions of this Article shall be applicable in all investigations initiated after this Agreement enters into force.

7.    The WTO rules on Dispute Settlement shall apply to any disputes related to anti-dumping or countervailing measures.

ARTICLE 49

Multilateral safeguards

1.    Subject to the provisions of this Article, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the EAC Partner State(s) and the EU from adopting measures in accordance with Article XIX of the GATT 1994, the WTO Agreement on Safeguards, and Article 5 of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture annexed to the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO (WTO Agreement on Agriculture). For the purpose of this Article, origin shall be determined in accordance with the non‑preferential rules of origin of the Parties.

2.    Notwithstanding paragraph 1, the EU shall, in the light of the overall development objectives of this Agreement and the small size of the economies of the EAC Partner State(s), exclude imports from any EAC Partner State(s) from any measures taken pursuant to Article XIX of GATT 1994, the WTO Agreement on Safeguards and Article 5 of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture.

3.    The provisions of paragraph 2 shall apply for a period of five (5) years, beginning with the date of entry into force of this Agreement. Not later than one hundred and twenty (120) days before the end of that period, the EPA Council shall review the operation of those provisions in the light of the development needs of the EAC Partner State(s), with a view to determining whether to extend their application for a further period.

4.    The provisions of paragraph 1 shall be subject to the WTO Understanding on rules and procedures governing the settlement of disputes (DSU).

ARTICLE 50

Bilateral safeguards

1.    After having examined alternative solutions, a Party may apply safeguard measures of limited duration which derogate from the provisions of Article 10 and 11 under the conditions and in accordance with the procedures laid down in this Article.

2.    Safeguard measures referred to in paragraph 1 may be taken where a product originating in one Party is being imported into the territory of the other Party in such increased quantities and under such conditions as to cause or threaten to cause:

(a)    serious injury to the domestic industry producing like or directly competitive products in the territory of the importing Party, or;

(b)    disturbances in a sector of the economy, particularly where these disturbances produce major social problems, or difficulties which could bring about serious deterioration in the economic situation of the importing Party, or;

(c)    disturbances in the markets of like or directly competitive agricultural products 4 or in the mechanisms regulating those markets.

3.    Safeguard measures referred to in this Article shall not exceed what is necessary to remedy or prevent the serious injury or disturbances, as defined in paragraphs 2 and 5(b). The safeguard measures of the importing Party may only consist of one or more of the following:

(a)    the suspension of the further reduction of the rate of import duty for the product concerned, as provided for under this Agreement,

(b)    an increase in the customs duty on the product concerned up to a level which does not exceed the customs duty applied to other WTO Members, and

(c)    the introduction of tariff quotas on the product concerned.

4.    Without prejudice to paragraphs 1 to 3, where any product originating in the EAC Partner State(s) is being imported in such increased quantities and under such conditions as to cause or threaten to cause one of the situations referred to under paragraph 2 to one or several of the EU outermost regions, the EU may take surveillance or safeguard measures limited to the region or regions concerned in accordance with the procedures laid down in paragraphs 6 to 9.

5.    (a)    Without prejudice to paragraphs 1 to 3, where any product originating in the EU is being imported in such increased quantities and under such conditions as to cause or threaten to cause one of the situations referred to under paragraph 2 to the EAC Partner State(s), the EAC Partner State(s) may take surveillance or safeguard measures limited to their territory in accordance with the procedures laid down in paragraphs 6 to 9.

(b)    the EAC Partner State(s) may take safeguard measures, in accordance with the procedures laid down in paragraphs 6 to 9, where a product originating in the EU as a result of the reduction of duties is being imported into their territory in such increased quantities and under such conditions as to cause or threaten to cause disturbances to an infant industry producing like or directly competitive products. Such provision is only applicable for a period of ten (10) years from the date of entry into force of this Agreement. This period may be extended by the EPA Council for a period of a maximum of five (5) years.

6.    (a)    Safeguard measures referred to in this Article shall be maintained only for such a time as may be necessary to prevent or remedy serious injury or disturbances as defined in paragraphs 2, 4 and 5.

(b)    Safeguard measures referred to in this Article shall not be applied for a period exceeding two (2) years. Where the circumstances warranting imposition of safeguard measures continue to exist, such measures may be extended for a further period of no more than two (2) years. Where the EAC Partner State(s) apply a safeguard measure, or where the EU applies a safeguard measure limited to the territory of one or more of its outermost regions, such measure may however be applied for a period not exceeding four (4) years and, where the circumstances warranting imposition of safeguard measures continue to exist, extended for a further period of four (4) years.

(c)    Safeguard measures referred to in this Article that exceed one (1) year shall contain clear elements progressively leading to their elimination at the end of the set period, at the latest.

(d)    No safeguard measure referred to in this Article shall be applied to the import of a product that has previously been subject to such a measure, for a period of at least one (1) year since the expiry of the measure.

7.    For the implementation of paragraphs 1 to 6, the following provisions shall apply:

(a)    Where a Party takes the view that one of the circumstances set out in paragraphs 2, 4 and/or 5 exists, it shall immediately refer the matter to the Committee of Senior Officials for examination;

(b)    The Committee of Senior Officials may make any recommendation needed to remedy the circumstances which have arisen. If no recommendation has been made by the Committee of Senior Officials aimed at remedying the circumstances, or no other satisfactory solution has been reached within thirty (30) days of the matter being referred to the Committee of Senior Officials the importing Party may adopt the appropriate measures to remedy the circumstances in accordance with this Article;

(c)    Before taking any measure provided for in this Article or, in the cases to which paragraph 8 of this Article applies, as soon as possible, the EAC Partner State(s) shall supply the Committee of Senior Officials with all relevant information required for a thorough examination of the situation, with a view to seeking a solution acceptable to the Parties concerned;

(d)    In the selection of safeguard measures pursuant to this Article, priority must be given to those which least disturb the operation of this Agreement;

(e)    Any safeguard measure taken pursuant to this Article shall be notified in writing immediately to the Committee of Senior Officials and shall be the subject of periodic consultations within that body, particularly with a view to establishing a timetable for their abolition as soon as circumstances permit.

8.    Where exceptional circumstances require immediate action, the importing Party concerned may take the measures provided for in paragraph 3, 4 or 5 on a provisional basis without complying with the requirements of paragraph 7. Such action may be taken for a maximum period of one hundred and eighty (180) days where measures are taken by the EU, and of two hundred (200) days where measures are taken by the EAC Partner State(s) or where measures taken by the EU are limited to the territory of one or more of its outermost regions. The duration of any such provisional measure shall be counted as a part of the initial period and any extension referred to in paragraph 6. In the taking of such provisional measures, the interest of all Parties involved shall be taken into account, including their level of development. The importing Party concerned shall inform the other Party and shall immediately refer the matter to the Committee of Senior Officials for examination.

9.    If an importing Party subjects imports of a product to an administrative procedure having as its purpose the rapid provision of information on the trend of trade flows liable to give rise to the problems referred to in this Article, it shall inform the Committee of Senior Officials without delay.

10.    The WTO Agreement shall not be invoked to preclude a Party from adopting safeguard measures in conformity with this Article.

PART III

FISHERIES

TITLE I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

ARTICLE 51

Scope and Principles

1.    The cooperation in fisheries trade and development shall cover marine, inland fisheries and aquaculture.

2.    The Parties recognise that fisheries constitute a key economic resource of the EAC Partner State(s), contribute significantly to the economies of the EAC Partner State(s), and have great potential for future regional economic development and poverty reduction. They are also an important source of food and foreign exchange.

3.    The Parties further recognise that fisheries resources are also of considerable interest to both the EU and the EAC Partner State(s), and agree to cooperate for the sustainable development and management of the fisheries sector in their mutual interests, taking into account economic, environmental and social impacts.

4.    The Parties agree that the appropriate strategy to promote the economic growth of the fisheries sector and to enhance its contribution to the economy of the EAC Partner State(s), while taking into consideration its long-term sustainability, is through increasing value‑adding activities within the sector.

ARTICLE 52

Principles of cooperation

1.    The principles of cooperation in fisheries shall include:

(a)    supporting the development and strengthening of regional integration;

(b)    preserving the acquis of the Cotonou Agreement and its successor agreement;

(c)    providing special and differential treatment;

(d)    taking into account the best available scientific information for resource assessment and management;

(e)    ensuring functioning monitoring systems for the environmental, economic and social impacts in the EAC Partner State(s);

(f)    ensuring conformity with existing national laws and relevant international instruments, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982, done at Montego Bay on 10 December 1982 (UNCLOS), regional and sub-regional agreements;

(g)    ensuring the preservation of, and the priority of particular needs of, the artisanal/subsistence fishery.

2.    These guiding principles should contribute to sustainable and responsible development of the living inland and marine resources and aquaculture, and to optimising the benefits of this sector for present and future generations, through increased investment, capacity building and improved market access.

3.    The Parties shall cooperate to ensure that financial and other support will be provided to improve the competitiveness and production capacity of the processing factories, the diversification of the fishing industry and development and improvement of port facilities in the EAC Partner State(s).

4.    Detailed areas of cooperation are identified under Title IV of Part V of this Agreement.

TITLE II

MARINE FISHERIES

ARTICLE 53

Scope and objectives

1.    The provisions of this Title shall apply to the utilisation, conservation and management of marine fisheries resources to optimise the benefits from fisheries for the EAC Partner State(s) through investment, capacity building and improved market access.

2.    The objectives of cooperation are to:

(a)    promote the sustainable development and management of fisheries;

(b)    strengthen cooperation to ensure the sustainable exploitation and management of fisheries resources as a strong basis for regional integration, given the straddling and migratory species which are shared among coastal EAC Partner State(s), and given that no individual EAC Partner State has the capacity to ensure sustainability of the resource;

(c)    ensure a more equitable share of the benefits derived from the fisheries sector;

(d)    ensure effective Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) necessary for combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing;

(e)    promote the effective exploitation, conservation and management of the living marine resource in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and waters in which the EAC Partner State(s) have jurisdiction based on international instruments, including UNCLOS, for the social and economic benefit of the Parties;

(f)    promote and develop regional and international trade based on best practices;

(g)    create an enabling environment, including infrastructure and capacity building, for the EAC Partner State(s) to cope with the stringent market requirements for both industrial and small scale fisheries;

(h)    support national and regional policies aimed at increasing productivity and competitiveness of the fisheries sector; and

(i)    build links with other economic sectors.

ARTICLE 54

Fisheries Management and Conservation Issues

1.    A precautionary approach shall be applied in determining levels of sustainable catch, fishing capacity and other management strategies to avoid or reverse undesirable outcomes such as over‑capacity and over-fishing, as well as undesirable impacts on the ecosystems and artisanal fisheries.

2.    Each EAC Partner State may take appropriate measures, including seasonal and gear restrictions, in order to protect its territorial waters and ensure the sustainability of the artisanal and coastal fisheries.

3.    The Parties shall promote the membership of all the concerned EAC Partner State(s) to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and other relevant fisheries organisations. The EAC Partner State(s), with the EU, shall coordinate action to ensure the management and conservation of all fish species, including tuna and tuna-like resources and to facilitate relevant scientific research.

4.    Where there is insufficient scientific evidence for the competent national management authority to determine limits and target levels of sustainable catch in an EAC Partner State's EEZ, the Parties, in consultation with the competent national authority, and together with IOTC and, where relevant, other regional fisheries organisations, shall support such scientific analysis.

5.    The Parties agree to take appropriate measures where an increase in effort results in catch levels above the target sustainable level established by the competent national authority.

6.    In order to conserve and manage straddling stocks and highly migratory fish stocks, the EU and the EAC Partner State(s) shall ensure compliance by vessels flying their flags with relevant national, regional and sub-regional fisheries management measures and related national laws and regulations.

ARTICLE 55

Vessel Management and Post-Harvest Arrangements

1.    Vessel Management and post‑harvest arrangements emerging from IOTC and any other relevant regional fisheries organisations will be observed. The EAC Partner State(s) and the EU shall set out minimum terms and conditions with respect to the monitoring, control and surveillance of EU fishing vessels operating in the waters of the EAC Partner State(s), which should include the following:

(a)    A Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) will be set up for the EAC Partner State(s), . If the EAC Partner State(s)  does not have a VMS will be assisted by the EU to set up a compatible VMS.

(b)    In addition to a compulsory compatible VMS system, the EAC Partner State(s), together with the EU, will develop other mechanisms to ensure effective Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS), and the EU will support the EAC Partner State(s) to put such an agreed system in place and assist in its implementation.

(c)    The EU and the EAC Partner State(s) shall have the right of placing observers, whether in national or international waters, with the procedures concerning the deployment of observers being well stipulated. Observers are to be paid by the national governments, but all costs on board are to be met by the ship-owner. The EU shall support the costs of training observers.

(d)    Common systems of reporting of fishing will be developed and used throughout the region, with minimum terms set for reporting.

(e)    All vessels that land or tranship their catch within an EAC Partner State shall do so in ports or outer-port areas. No transhipment shall be allowed at sea, except on particular conditions foreseen by the relevant Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO). The Parties shall cooperate to develop and modernise landing or transhipment infrastructure in ports of the EAC Partner State(s), including development capacity of fish products.

(f)    Discards reporting shall be compulsory. Priority should be given to avoiding discards through the use of selective fishing methods in line with principles of the IOTC and relevant regional fisheries organisations. As far as possible, by-catch shall be brought ashore.

2.    The Parties agree to cooperate in developing and implementing national/regional training programmes for the EAC Partner State(s) nationals in order to facilitate their effective participation in the fishing industry. Where the EU has negotiated a bilateral fisheries agreement, the employment of the EAC Partner State(s) nationals shall be encouraged. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work shall apply to seamen signed on European vessels.

3.    The Parties shall undertake coordinated efforts to improve the means for preventing, deterring, and eliminating IUU fishing, and to this end take appropriate measures. Fishing vessels involved in IUU fishing should be confiscated and the owners prosecuted by the competent authorities. They should not be allowed to fish again in waters of the EAC Partner State(s) unless prior authorisation has been obtained from both the flag State and the EAC Partner State(s) as well as, where relevant, the RFMO concerned.

TITLE III

INLAND FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT

ARTICLE 56

Scope and Objectives

1.    The provisions of this Title shall apply to inland fisheries, coastal and aquaculture development in the EAC Partner State(s) with respect to capacity building, technology transfer, SPS standards, investment and investment finance, environmental protection, and legal and regulatory frameworks.

2.    The objectives of cooperation in inland fisheries and aquaculture development will be to promote sustainable exploitation of inland fisheries resources, and enhance aquaculture production, remove supply‑side constraints, improve fish and fish products' quality to comply with international SPS measures, improve access to the market of the EU, address intra-regional trade barriers, attract capital inflows and investment into the sector, build capacity, and enhance access to financial support for the private investors for inland fisheries and aquaculture development.

PART IV

AGRICULTURE

ARTICLE 57

Scope and definitions

1.    The provisions of this Part shall apply to crops and livestock, including productive insects.

2.    For the purposes of this Part and Title II of Part V, the following definitions shall apply:

(a)    agriculture includes crops, livestock and productive insects;

(b)    agricultural products are those covered by Annex I of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture;

(c)    agricultural financing means providing financial resources in support of agricultural related activities along the whole value chain, such as input supplies, agricultural services, production, storage, distribution, product transformation and marketing;

(d)    agricultural inputs means all substances or materials, equipment and tools used in the production and handling of agricultural products;

(e)    sustainable agriculture technology means a technology designed with special consideration of its environmental, social and, economic impacts;

(f)    food and nutrition security implies that all people at all times have both physical and economic access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious food to meet their needs for a productive and healthy life;

(g)    livelihood security means adequate and sustainable access to income and resources to meet basic needs in an equitable manner (including adequate access to food, potable water, health facilities, educational opportunities, housing and time for community participation and social integration);

(h)    natural disaster is the consequence of natural calamities, e.g. drought, earthquake, landslide, volcano eruptions, floods, pests and diseases;

(i)    small scale farmers are producers with limited resources and own small land holding of less than two (2) hectares and whose scale of operations is too small to attract the provision of services needed to significantly increase productivity and leverage market opportunities;

(j)    sustainable development in the context of this Part includes the management and protection of the natural resource base for economic and social development in such a manner as to aim at meeting human needs for present and future generations.

ARTICLE 58

Objectives

1.    The Parties agree that the fundamental objective of this Part is sustainable agricultural development which includes, but is not limited to, food and livelihoods security, rural development and poverty reduction in the EAC Partner State(s).

2.    The objectives of this Part are to:

(a)    foster cooperation between the Parties with a view to creating wealth and improving the quality of life of those engaged in agricultural activities through increased production, productivity and market share;

(b)    improve food and nutrition security in the EAC Partner State(s) by promoting value addition, increasing output, quality, safety, market integration, trade, availability and accessibility;

(c)    contribute to provision of gainful employment throughout the value chain of modernised agricultural sector;

(d)    develop modern and competitive agro-based industries;

(e)    promote the sustainable use and management of natural and cultural resources, by developing environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies that improve agricultural productivity;

(f)    contribute to competitiveness by promoting value addition throughout the supply chains to access markets;

(g)    improve producers' revenue by developing the marketing of value added agricultural products in the marketplace;

(h)    facilitate the adjustment of the agricultural sector and the rural economy, to cope with global economic changes;

(i)    mobilise and increase the economic performance of small scale farmers, through capacity building of farmers' organisations;

(j)    improve trade and market facilitation for agricultural commodities in order to increase foreign exchange earnings;

(k)    improve infrastructure within the EAC Partner State(s) for enhancing the production, productivity, marketing and distribution of agricultural inputs and products, with particular attention to storage, grading, handling, packing and transport.

ARTICLE 59

General Principles

1.    The Parties recognise the importance of agriculture in the EAC Partner State(s)' economies, as the main source of livelihood for the majority of the EAC Partner State(s)' population, as the primary factor to ensure food and nutrition security, as a potential sector for high growth and added value, and as a source of export earnings.

2.    In view of the multi-functional role agriculture plays in the economy of the EAC Partner State(s), the Parties agree to use a comprehensive approach to agriculture as a basis for sustainable development.

3.    The Parties agree to cooperate in promoting the sustainable growth of the agriculture sector, taking into account its multiple facets and the diversity of the economic, social, environmental characteristics and development strategies of the EAC Partner State(s).

4.    The Parties recognise that deeper integration of the agricultural sector across the EAC Partner State(s) will contribute to the expansion of inter-regional markets, and increase the scope for investment and private sector development.

5.    The Parties recognise the importance of supporting agricultural production, the promotion of value addition, agricultural trade and market development initiatives through appropriate instruments, and the provision of appropriate regulatory framework to respond to changing market conditions. In this respect, the Parties resolve to work together to attract necessary investment into the EAC Partner State(s).

6.    The Parties agree that agricultural priorities considered in this Part shall be clearly linked to the regional overarching policy framework for food and nutrition security and poverty reduction to ensure consistency and guidance of the regional development agenda.

ARTICLE 60

Comprehensive Dialogue

1.    The Parties shall establish an EAC Partner State(s)-EU Comprehensive Dialogue on Agriculture and Rural Development Policy (the "Agriculture Dialogue") on all matters covered in this Part. The Agriculture Dialogue shall monitor the progress in implementing this Part and shall provide a forum for exchange and cooperation on the Parties' respective domestic agricultural policies and, in particular, the role of agriculture in the EAC Partner State(s) in raising farm incomes, food security, sustainable use of resources, rural development and economic growth.

2.    The Agriculture Dialogue shall take place within the Committee of Senior Officials.

3.    The Parties shall establish the working procedures and modalities of the Agriculture Dialogue by mutual agreement.

ARTICLE 61

Regional Integration

The Parties recognise that the integration of the agricultural sector across EAC Partner States, through the progressive removal of barriers and the provision of an appropriate regulatory and institutional framework, harmonisation and convergence of policies, will contribute to the deepening of the regional integration process and thus contribute to the expansion of regional markets, which will increase the scope for investment and private sector development.

ARTICLE 62

Enabling Policies

The Parties recognise the importance of adopting and implementing policies and institutional reforms to enable and facilitate the achievement of objectives of this Part.

ARTICLE 63

Sustainable Agricultural Development

The Parties shall cooperate in achieving sustainable agricultural development with special focus on supporting vulnerable rural populations in the EAC Partner State(s) in light of the changing world production and trade patterns as well as consumer tastes and preferences.

ARTICLE 64

Food and Nutrition Security

1.    The Parties agree that the provisions of this Agreement shall enable the EAC Partner State(s) to implement effective measures to achieve food and nutrition security and sustainable agricultural development, and to develop commercial agricultural markets in the region to ensure food and nutrition security.

2.    The Parties shall ensure that actions taken under this Part aim at enhancing food and nutrition security, and avoid the adoption of measures that could endanger achievement of food and nutrition security at the household, national and regional levels.

ARTICLE 65

Value Chain Management

The Parties agree to have a regional strategy for enhancing supply capacities in agriculture, identifying high value agricultural sub-sectors for which the region has competitive advantage, and capitalise on investments that can facilitate the shift from comparative to competitive advantages.

ARTICLE 66

Early Warning Systems

The Parties recognise the need to establish, improve and enhance food security information systems, including national early warning systems, as well as vulnerability assessment and monitoring systems, and to implement capacity building actions, in conjunction with, and through, existing international and regional mechanisms.

ARTICLE 67

Technology

The Parties recognise the importance of modern and sustainable agricultural technologies and agree to develop and promote the use of modern agricultural technologies that include:

(a)    sustainable irrigation and fertigation technologies;

(b)    tissue culture and micro propagation;

(c)    improved seed;

(d)    artificial insemination;

(e)    integrated pest management;

(f)    product packaging;

(g)    post-harvest handling;

(h)    accredited laboratories;

(i)    biotechnology;

(j)    risk assessment and management.

ARTICLE 68

Domestic policy measures

1.    Each Party shall ensure transparency in the area of agricultural support related to trade in agricultural products. To this end, the EU shall report periodically within the Agriculture Dialogue to the EAC Partner State(s) on the legal basis, form and amount of such support. Such information is deemed to have been provided if it is made available by the Parties or on their behalf on a publicly accessible website.

2    The EU shall not grant export subsidies for all agricultural products to the EAC Partner State(s), as from the entry into force of this Agreement. This prohibition shall be reviewed by the EPA Council after 48 months.

3.    Furthermore, the Committee of Senior Officials shall examine issues that may arise in relation to the access of the Parties' agricultural products to each other's markets. The Committee may make recommendations to the EPA Council in accordance with Article 107

ARTICLE 69

Production and Marketing of Agricultural Commodities

1.    The Parties recognise the challenges faced by the EAC Partner State(s) because of their dependence on the export of primary agricultural commodities, which are subject to high price volatility and declining terms of trade, for foreign exchange earnings.

2.    The Parties therefore agree to:

(a)    strengthen Public-Private-Partnership in investments for production, processing and marketing of agricultural commodities;

(b)    cooperate in developing capacities to access niche markets and facilitate compliance with commodity standards to meet such markets requirements;

(c)    support diversification of agricultural production and export products in the EAC Partner State(s)

(d)    improve producers' revenue by developing the marketing of value added agricultural products in the market place.

ARTICLE 70

Monitoring

The Parties agree that the EPA Council shall review and monitor the implementation of their obligations under this Agreement. The EPA Council shall provide effective surveillance of compliance with obligations through ensuring transparency and give them an opportunity to assess the contribution of those obligations to their long-term objective of establishing a fair and market‑oriented agricultural trading system.

ARTICLE 71

Net Food-Importing Countries

1.    The Parties recognise the importance of addressing the concerns of the net food-importing EAC Partner State(s). Therefore, the objective of this Article is to assist States that are net food importers to develop programmes to ensure food security.

2.    The Parties agree to:

(a)    address constraints on food production, storage and distribution in the EAC Partner State(s);

(b)    source food aid from within the EAC Partner State(s) and other African Regional Economic Communities;

(c)    improve the coordination of food aid.

3.    The Parties agree to maintain an adequate level of food aid, taking into account the interests of food aid recipients and to ensure that the measures mentioned in paragraph 2 do not unintentionally impede the delivery of food aid provided to deal with emergency situations.

4.    The Parties shall ensure that food aid is provided in full conformity with the measures that aim at preventing commercial displacement, which include:

(a)    ensuring that all food aid transactions are need driven and in full grant form; and,

(b)    not tying them directly or indirectly to commercial exports of agricultural products or of other goods and services.

ARTICLE 72

Importance of certain sectors

1.    The Parties recognise that:

(a)    the provision of adequate access to food, clean and safe drinking water, health facilities, educational opportunities, housing, community participation and social integration is important for the livelihood security of rural populations;

(b)    agricultural infrastructure development, including production, processing, marketing and distribution, plays a crucial role in the EAC Partner State(s)' social-economic rural development and regional integration;

(c)    technical support services, such as agricultural research, extension and advisory services training, are important in increasing agricultural productivity;

(d)    facilitating agricultural financing is an important measure for transforming the agricultural sector in the EAC Partner State(s). Financing is required for agricultural technology development, agricultural credit and insurance, infrastructure development and markets as well as farmers' training; and

(e)    sustainable rural development is important to improve standards of living of the rural population of the EAC Partner State(s).

2.    The Parties agree to cooperate in the areas of livelihood security, agricultural infrastructure, technical support services, agricultural financing services and rural development, as provided for in Title II of Part V.

ARTICLE 73

Exchange of Information and Consultation

1.    The Parties agree to exchange experience and information on best practices, and to consult on all issues in pursuit of the objectives of this Part.

2.    The Parties agree to:

(a)    exchange information on agricultural production, consumption and trade and on the respective market developments for agricultural products;

(b)    exchange information on investment opportunities and incentives available in the agricultural sector, including small-scale activities;

(c)    exchange information on agricultural policies, laws and regulations between them;

(d)    discuss policy and institutional changes needed to underpin the transformation of the agricultural sector, as well as the formulation and implementation of regional policies on agriculture, and rural development in pursuit of regional integration;

(e)    exchange information on new and appropriate technologies, as well as policies and measures related to the quality of agricultural products.

ARTICLE 74

Geographical indications

1.    The Parties recognise the importance of geographical indications for sustainable agriculture and rural development. 

2.    The Parties agree to cooperate in the identification, recognition and registration of products that could benefit from protection as geographical indications and any other action aimed at achieving protection for products so identified.

PART V

ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

ARTICLE 75

General Provisions

1.    In accordance with Articles 34 and 35 of the ACP – EU Partnership Agreement, signed in Cotonou on 23rd June 2000 as revised to-date and the corresponding provisions of its successor agreement, the Parties reaffirm that development cooperation is a core element of their Partnership and an essential factor for achieving the objectives of this Agreement. The Parties agree that Annex VI to this Agreement prevails over the provisions of this Part of the Agreement.

2.    The Parties agree to address the developmental needs of the EAC Partner State(s) by, increasing production and supply capacity, fostering the structural transformation and competitiveness of their economies, enhancing their economic diversification and increasing added value, in order to promote sustainable development and support regional integration.

3.    The Parties commit to cooperate in order to facilitate the implementation of this Agreement and to support regional integration and development strategies. The Parties agree that cooperation shall be based on the Economic and Development Cooperation Part and the EPA Development Matrix, both subject to the provisions of Annex VI which prevail, in addition to the regional and national development strategies of the EAC Partner State(s). The Matrix and corresponding baseline benchmarks, indicators and targets reflecting the needs identified by the EAC Partner State(s) at the time of the EU-EAC EPA signature are hereto attached as Annex III(a) and Annex III(b). They shall be reviewed every five (5) years. The cooperation shall take the form of financial and non-financial support to the EAC Partner State(s).

4.    In this regard, the financing relating to development cooperation between the EAC Partner State(s) and the EU for the implementation of this Agreement shall be carried out within the framework of the rules and relevant procedures provided for by the Cotonou Agreement and its successor agreement and within the framework of the successive relevant instruments financed by the General Budget of the EU. In this context, taking into account the new challenges deriving from enhanced regional integration and competition on the global markets, the Parties agree that one of the priorities shall be to support the implementation of this Agreement. The Parties agree that financial instruments provided for in the Cotonou Agreement and its successor agreement shall be mobilised so as to maximise the expected benefits of this Agreement.

5.    For the purposes of the implementation of this Agreement, the Parties commit to jointly and individually mobilising resources, with guidance thereon provided by the specific provisions of Title X on resource mobilisation, subject to the provisions of Annex VI to this Agreement which prevail.

6.    Consistent with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness adopted in 2005, the Parties agree to use and support as appropriate nationally- and/or regionally-owned delivery mechanisms, funds or facilities for channelling and coordinating resources for the implementation of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 76

Objectives

The economic and development cooperation shall aim at:

(a)    enhancing the competitiveness of the EAC Partner State(s)' economy(ies);

(b)    building up supply capacity and enabling the smooth implementation of this Agreement;

(c)    transforming the structure of EAC Partner State(s)' economies by establishing a strong, competitive and diversified economic base through enhancing production, distribution, transport and marketing;

(d)    developing trade capacity as well as capacity to attract investment;

(e)    strengthening trade, investment policies and regulations; and

(f)    deepening regional integration.

ARTICLE 77

Areas of Cooperation

Economic and development cooperation shall include the following areas, subject to the provisions of Annex VI to this Agreement which prevail:

(a)    infrastructure;

(b)    agriculture and livestock;

(c)    private sector development;

(d)    fisheries;

(e)    water and environment;

(f)    market access issues, including:

(i)    SPS,

(ii)    TBT, and

(iii)    customs and trade facilitation in the EAC Partner State(s)

(g)    EPA adjustment measures; and

(h)    the mobilisation of resources.

TITLE I

INFRASTRUCTURE

ARTICLE 78

Scope and Objectives

1.    Cooperation in the development of physical infrastructure shall include in particular transport, energy, information and communications technology.

2.    The objectives in this area are to:

(a)    increase the competitiveness of the EAC Partner State(s);

(b)    address supply-side constraints at institutional, national, and regional levels; and

(c)    enhance the development of Public-Private Partnerships.

ARTICLE 79

Transport

1.    Cooperation in transport shall include road, rail, air and water transport.

2.    The objectives in this area are to:

(a)    improve national and regional connectivity, to deepen regional economic integration;

(b)    develop, restructure, rehabilitate, upgrade and modernise the EAC Partner State(s)' durable and efficient transport systems;

(c)    improve the movement of people and flow of goods; and

(d)    provide better access to markets through improved road, air, maritime, inland water and rail transports.

3.    Subject to the provisions of Article 75, the Parties agree to cooperate in the following areas:

(a)    the management of transport systems;

(b)    the improvement, development and modernisation of infrastructure at all levels, including the development of inter-modal infrastructure networks;

(c)    strengthening the institutional, technical and administrative capacities of the EAC Partner State(s) in standards, quality assurance, metrology and conformity assessment services;

(d)    technology development and transfer, innovation, information exchange and networks, and marketing;

(e)    the encouragement of partnerships, linkages and joint ventures between economic operators;

(f)    the improvement of safety and reliability of the transport sector, including meteorological forecasting, management of hazardous goods, and emergency responses;

(g)    the development of regional transport policies and the regulatory frameworks.

ARTICLE 80

Energy

1.    Cooperation in the energy sector shall include public and private sector participation in energy generation, transmission, distribution and cross-border energy trade.

2.    The objectives in this area are to:

(a)    develop, increase and expand the region's energy generation capacity;

(b)    increase the number of alternative sources of energy;

(c)    develop, increase and expand networks;

(d)    develop, increase and expand distribution and transmission;

(e)    improve the access of the EAC Partner State(s) to modern, efficient, reliable, diversified, sustainable and renewable sources of clean energy at competitive prices;

(f)    enhance the production, distribution and management capacity of energy at national and regional levels;

(g)    promote power interconnectivity both within and outside the EAC Partner State(s) for maximum energy utilisation; and

(h)    support the creation of a conducive environment for attracting investment in this sector.

3.    Subject to the provisions of Article 75, the Parties agree to cooperate in the following areas:

(a)    production, transmission and distribution capacity of existing energy sources, in particular hydropower, petroleum and biomass;

(b)    diversification of the energy mix to include other potential sources of energy that are socially and environmentally acceptable and that reduce dependency on oil;

(c)    development of energy infrastructure, including for rural areas;

(d)    development of appropriate energy regulatory and policy reforms, including commercialisation and privatisation;

(e)    regional and inter-regional interconnectivity and cooperation in the production and distribution of energy;

(f)    capacity building in human resources, improvement in management, service standards, and institutional structures;

(g)    technology development and transfer, Research and Development, innovation, information exchange, development of databases and networks;

(h)    partnerships, linkages and joint ventures.

ARTICLE 81

Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)

1.    Cooperation in the ICT sector shall include: the development of Information and Communication Technologies, competitiveness, innovation, as well as the smooth transition towards the information society.

2.    The objectives in this area are to:

(a)    develop the ICT sector;

(b)    enhance the contribution of ICT in facilitating trade through e-services, e-commerce, e‑government, e-health, secure transactions and other socio-economic sectors.

3.    Subject to the provisions of Article 75, the Parties agree to cooperate in the following areas:

(a)    ICT connectivity and cost-effectiveness at the national, regional and global levels;

(b)    dissemination of new information and communication technologies;

(c)    development of the legal and regulatory frameworks for ICT;

(d)    technology development, transfer and applications, R&D, innovation, information exchange and networks and marketing;

(e)    capacity building in human resources, improvement in service standards, and institutional structures;

(f)    partnerships, linkages and joint ventures between economic operators;

(g)    promotion and support for the development of niche markets for ICT-enabled services.

TITLE II

AGRICULTURE

ARTICLE 82

Scope and objectives

1.    Cooperation in this Title shall apply to crops and livestock, including productive insects.

2.    The Parties agree that the main objective of this Title is sustainable agricultural development, which includes but is not limited to food and livelihoods security, rural development and poverty reduction in the EAC Partner State(s).

3.    The other objectives of this Title are stipulated in Article 58 of Part IV.

ARTICLE 83

Areas of Cooperation

1.    The Parties acknowledge the importance of the agricultural sector to the economies of the EAC Partner State(s) and agree to cooperate in promoting its transformation to increase its competitiveness, ensure food and nutrition security, rural development and facilitate the adjustment of agriculture and the rural economy to accommodate the effects of implementation of this Agreement, with special attention to small-scale farmers.

2.    The Parties agree to cooperate in the following areas:

(a)    Regional Integration

Improvement of access to regional and international markets for agricultural products including the development of market systems and market development strategies;

(b)    Enabling Policies

(i)    development of national and regional agricultural policies, legal and regulatory frameworks, building of the necessary capacity and support to institutional development;

(ii)    building capacities in the EAC Partner State(s) to take full advantage of increased trading opportunities and to maximise the benefits of trade reforms.

(c)    Sustainable Agricultural Development

(i)    undertaking joint activities on a regional basis, including fertiliser production, seed production, livestock development and plant and animal disease control;

(ii)    promotion and strengthening Processing, Marketing, Distribution and Transportation (PMDT) and the handling of agricultural products;

(iii)    capacity building to comply with international standards relating to agricultural production, packaging and SPS measures.

(d)    Agricultural Infrastructure

(i)    development of agricultural support infrastructure, including sustainable irrigation systems, water harvesting, storage and management, marketing, and grading;

(ii)    development of research and training infrastructure, storage facilities, feeder and community access roads;

(iii)    development of agro-processing infrastructure;

(iv)    establishment of agro-meteorology centre in the EAC Partner State(s);

(v)    development of modern market infrastructure for the expansion of domestic and regional markets.

(e)    Food and Nutrition Security

(i)    capacity building of rural and urban communities for the promotion of improved livelihoods, eradication of poverty, and sustainable development;

(ii)    diversification of agricultural production and development of products that address the food and nutrition security needs of the EAC Partner State(s);

(iii)    design and implementation of programmes that lead to increased production and productivity in the agricultural sector, with special focus on small-scale farmers;

(iv)    capacity development for national and regional food safety compliance; and

(v)    designing and implementation of social adjustment programmes in regions adversely affected by natural disasters.

(f)    Value chain Management

(i)    promotion of the use of sustainable agricultural technologies and supply of necessary farm inputs;

(ii)    enhancing production, productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural sector through promoting agro-based industries;

(iii)    enhancing value addition throughout the supply chain of agricultural products to meet the requirements of national, regional and international markets; and

(iv)    promoting the development of activities in the areas of processing, marketing, distribution and transport of agricultural products.

(g)    Early Warning Systems

(i)    capacity building in terms of assessing and disseminating information on the likely impacts of impending disasters well in advance in order to take contingent measures and early responsiveness;

(ii)    development and management of national and regional information systems;

(iii)    development, strengthening and linking of early warning systems and contingency plans and strategies for disaster response management at national and regional levels; and

(iv)    supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation options in the EAC Partner State(s).

(h)    Production and Marketing of Agricultural Commodities

(i)    developing capacities to access niche markets and facilitating compliance with commodity standards to meet such markets requirements;

(ii)    diversification of agricultural production and export products in the EAC Partner State(s)

(iii)    development of modern market infrastructure for expansion of domestic and regional markets; and

(iv)    developing product packaging and labelling programmes which enable the EAC Partner State(s)' producers to secure premium prices for commodity exports.

(i)    Rural Development

(i)    capacity building of farmers' groups along the entire agricultural value chain;

(ii)    improving transport, communication and market facilities for marketing agricultural inputs and outputs;

(iii)    addressing socio-cultural barriers such as language differences, literacy levels, gender biases and community health, that influence the nature of farming systems;

(iv)    improving farmers' access to credit services and natural and cultural resource management; and

(v)    developing relevant policy measures to support the availability of adequate agricultural inputs to small scale farmers on a timely basis.

(j)    Net Food Importing Countries

Addressing constraints in food production, storage and distribution in the EAC Partner State(s).

(k)    Livelihood Security

(i)    capacity building for developing social services for populations in rural and peri‑urban areas;

(ii)    improving total household income from agricultural production through diversification, adding value, off-farm employment and the adoption of new sustainable agricultural technologies, among others, in the EAC Partner State(s)

(iii)    increasing productivity of the agricultural sector within the EAC Partner State(s); and

(iv)    increasing the use of sustainable agricultural technologies.
(l)    Technical Support Services

The EU commits to provide adequate resources and technical assistance for capacity building to the EAC Partner State(s) in a manner that is predictable and sustainable in the following areas:

(i)    strengthening of innovation and transfer of technology, knowledge, R&D;

(ii)    developing and increasing use of mechanisation of the EAC Partner State(s)' agricultural sector;

(iii)    establishing agricultural input plants and distribution systems within the EAC Partner State(s);

(iv)    promoting and strengthening investment in agricultural research, extension services, training and links between research-extensions and farmers;

(v)    as appropriate, establishing and strengthening regional centres of excellence, including an agro-meteorology centre, biotechnology, analytical and diagnostic laboratories for crops, livestock and soils; and

(vi)    improving access to services in plant and animal production, including livestock breeding services, veterinary services and plant protection services.

(m)    Agricultural Financing Services

(i)    strengthening rural financial services for small-scale producers, processors and traders;

(ii)    developing regionally owned mechanisms or a fund for agricultural and rural development;

(iii)    developing agricultural micro-financing institutions and insurance schemes;

(iv)    facilitating access to credit from banks and other financial institutions for agro processors, traders and farmers; and

(v)    supporting the EAC Partner State(s)' financial institutions serving the agriculture sector and facilitating access by the private sector to capital markets to raise both short- and long-term capital.

(n)    Geographical indications

(i)    developing policies and legal frameworks on geographical indications;

(ii)    establishing regulations on geographical indications;

(iii)    developing a code of practice to define products in relation to their origin;

(iv)    facilitating local organisations and institutions to coordinate local stakeholders on geographical indications and product conformity;

(v)    building capacity on identification, registration, marketing, traceability and conformity on geographical indications products; and

(vi)    developing any other area of cooperation under this heading that may arise in the future.

TITLE III

PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT

ARTICLE 84

Scope and objectives

1.    Cooperation on private sector development shall include investment promotion and enterprise development.

2.    The objectives of this Title are to:

(a)    create a conducive environment for promotion of investment and private enterprises, including the development of new industries, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and technology transfer;

(b)    enhance supply capacities, competitiveness and value addition;

(c)    improve access to investment finance from EU financing institutions such as the European Investment Bank;

(d)    build capacity and provide institutional support for private sector development institutions such as investment promotion agencies, apex bodies, chambers of commerce, associations, contact points and trade facilitation institutions;

(e)    develop and/or strengthen a policy, legal and regulatory framework that promotes and protects investment;

(f)    improve support and delivery mechanisms to the Private Sector from the joint ACP-EU institutions, including the Centre for the Development of Agriculture (CTA), among others, for promotion of investment in the EAC Partner State(s); and

(g)    create and strengthen partnerships, joint ventures, subcontracting, outsourcing and linkages.

ARTICLE 85

Investment Promotion

The Parties agree to promote investments within the EAC Partner State(s) in the following areas:

(a)    supporting reforms in the policies, legal and regulatory frameworks;

(b)    supporting enhancement of institutional capacities, in particular, capacity building for investment promotion agencies of the EAC Partner State(s) and institutions involved in promoting and facilitating foreign and local investment;

(c)    supporting the establishment of appropriate administrative structures, including one-stop shops, for the entry and setting up of investments;

(d)    supporting the creation and continuity of a predictable and secure investment climate;

(e)    supporting efforts of the EAC Partner State(s) to design revenue generating instruments to mobilise investment resources;

(f)    establishing and supporting risk insurance schemes as a risk-mitigating mechanism in order to boost investor confidence in the EAC Partner State(s)

(g)    supporting the establishment of mechanisms for exchange of information between the EAC Partner State(s) investment agencies and their EU counterparts;

(h)    encouraging EU private sector investments in the EAC Partner State(s);

(i)    supporting the establishment of financial frameworks and instruments adapted to the investment needs of SMEs; and

(j)    facilitating partnerships through joint ventures and capital financing.

ARTICLE 86

Enterprise Development

The Parties agree to cooperate on enterprise development within the EAC Partner State(s) through supporting:

(a)    the promotion of EAC Partner State(s)-EU private sector business dialogue, cooperation and partnerships;

(b)    efforts for Micro-, Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises' (MSME) promotion and integration into mainstream business activities;

(c)    the promotion of efficient production and the marketing of EAC Partner State(s)' firms;

(d)    the implementation of the EAC Partner State(s)' Private Sector Development Strategies (PSDS);

(e)    the promotion of a favourable environment for the development and growth of MSMEs;

(f)    private sector organisations' capacities to comply with international standards;

(g)    the protection of innovations from piracy; and

(h)    the capacities of the EAC Partner State(s) for the exploration, exploitation and marketing of natural resources.

TITLE IV

FISHERIES

ARTICLE 87

Scope of cooperation

Cooperation in fisheries shall cover marine and inland fisheries and aquaculture.

ARTICLE 88

Areas of cooperation in marine fisheries

1.    Cooperation in marine fisheries shall include:

(a)    fisheries management and conservation issues;

(b)    vessel management and post-harvest arrangements;

(c)    financial and trade measures; and

(d)    development of fisheries and fisheries products and marine aquaculture.

2.    The EU shall contribute to the mobilisation of the resources for the implementation of the identified areas of cooperation at national and regional levels, which will also include support for regional capacity building.

3.    Subject to the provisions of Part III of this Agreement and Article 75, the Parties agree to cooperate, in the following areas:

(a)    development and improvement of infrastructure for storage, marketing and distribution of fish and fish products;

(b)    capacity building at the national and regional levels to meet SPS/TBT/Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points technical requirements, development of monitoring control and surveillance systems of the EAC Partner State(s)' EEZ, and introduction and management of certification schemes for specific marine fisheries;

(c)    investment and technology transfer in fishing operations, fish processing, port services, development and improvement of port facilities, diversification of the fishery to include non‑tuna species which are under-exploited or not exploited;

(d)    joint ventures and linkages especially with MSME and artisanal fisheries within the fisheries supply chain;

(e)    value addition on fish; and

(f)    R&D on stock assessment and sustainability levels.

4.    The Parties undertake to cooperate in promoting the setting‑up of joint ventures in fishing operations, fish processing, port services, enhance production capacity, improve competitiveness of fishing and related industries and services, downstream processing, development and improvement of port facilities, diversification of the fishery to include non-tuna species which are under-exploited or not exploited.

ARTICLE 89

Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Development

Cooperation on inland fisheries and aquaculture development shall include EU contributions to the following areas:

(a)    Capacity building and export market development through:

(i)    building capacity in industrial and artisanal production, processing and product diversification that strengthen the competitiveness of the region's inland fisheries and aquaculture. This could, for example, be achieved by the creation of Research and Development (R&D) centres including the development of aquaculture for commercial fishing farms;

(ii)    building capacity for managing export market chains, including the introduction and management of certification schemes for specific product lines; and implementation of market promotion, value addition and reduction in post‑harvest losses in fisheries products;

(iii)    increasing capacity in the region through, for example, improving fisheries competent authorities, traders' and fishermen's associations in order to participate in fisheries trade with the EU Party, and training programs in product development and branding.

(b)    Infrastructure through:

(i)    the development and improvement of infrastructure for inland fisheries and aquaculture;

(ii)    facilitating access to funding for infrastructure, including all types of equipment.

(c)    Technology through:

(i)    the development of technical capabilities, including value‑adding technology promotion, for example through fisheries technology transfer from the EU to the EAC Partner State(s);

(ii)    the enhancement of fisheries management capacity in the region, for example through research and data collection systems and contribution towards appropriate technologies on harvesting and post-harvest management.

(d)    Legal and regulatory framework through:

(i)    the development of inland fisheries and aquaculture regulations and monitoring control and surveillance systems;

(ii)    the development of appropriate legal and regulatory instruments on Intellectual Property Rights and building capacity for their implementation in international trade;

(iii)    the protection of eco-labelling and intellectual property.

(e)    Investment and finance through:

(i)    the promotion of joint ventures and other forms of mixed investments between stakeholders in the Parties, for example for the setting-up of modalities for identifying investors for joint venture operations in inland fisheries and aquaculture;

(ii)    providing access to credit facilities for the development of small- to medium-scale enterprises, as well as industrial-scale inland fisheries.

(f)    Environmental and Stocks Conservation in Fisheries through measures to ensure that the fish trade supports environmental conservation, safeguards against stock depletion, the maintenance of biodiversity and cautious introduction of exotic species for aquaculture; for example, through the cautious introduction of exotic species to be introduced only in managed/closed spaces in consultation with all neighbouring countries concerned.

(g)    Socioeconomic and poverty alleviation measures through:

(i)    the promotion of small- and medium-scale fishers, processors, and fish traders by building the capacity of the EAC Partner State(s) to participate in trade with the EU;

(ii)    the participation of marginal groups in the fishing industry. For example, the promotion of gender equity in fisheries, and particularly developing the capacity of women traders involved or intending to engage in fisheries. Other disadvantaged groups with the potential to engage in fisheries for sustainable social economic development will also be involved in such processes.

TITLE V

WATER AND ENVIRONMENT

ARTICLE 90

Scope and objectives

1.    Cooperation in this Title shall include natural resources, in particular water, the environment and biodiversity.

2.    The objectives of cooperation in this Title are to:

(a)    enhance the linkages between trade and environment;

(b)    support the implementation of international environmental agreements, conventions and treaties;

(c)    ensure the balance between environmental management and poverty reduction;

(d)    protect the environment, and enhance biodiversity conservation and genetic preservation;

(e)    promote the equitable and sustainable utilisation of natural resources;

(f)    facilitate and encourage the sustainable utilisation of shared resources;

(g)    promote public and private sector involvement in natural resource management.

ARTICLE 91

Water Resources

1.    Cooperation in the area of water resources shall include irrigation, hydropower generation, water production and supply, and the protection of water catchment areas.

2.    The objectives of cooperation in this area are to:

(a)    develop the sustainable use and management of water resources in the EAC Partner State(s), so as to improve the livelihood of the population of the EAC Partner State(s);

(b)    promote regional cooperation for the sustainable utilisation of transboundary water resources;

(c)    develop water supply infrastructure for productive purposes.

3.    Subject to the provisions of Article 75, the Parties agree to cooperate in the following areas:

(a)    the development of water supply infrastructure in the region;

(b)    the development of the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks;

(c)    integrated water resource management;

(d)    capacity building in human resources, improvement in service standards, water management, and institutional structures;

(e)    creation of partnerships, linkages, and joint ventures between economic operators;

(f)    the promotion of technology development, transfer and applications, R&D, innovation, information exchange and networks;

(g)    the development of water pollution control, purification and conservation, wastewater treatment and sanitation;

(h)    the promotion of sustainable irrigation schemes.

ARTICLE 92

Environment

1.    Cooperation in the area of environment shall include the protection and sustainable management of the environment, as well as the implementation of trade-related environmental policies.

2.    The objectives of cooperation in this area are to:

(a)    protect, restore and conserve the environment and biodiversity (flora, fauna and microbial genetic resources, including their ecosystems);

(b)    develop industries in the EAC Partner State(s) that use environmentally friendly technologies;

(c)    promote technology development, transfer and application, research and development, innovation and information exchange.

3.    Subject to the provisions of Article 75, the Parties agree to cooperate in the following areas:

(a)    the implementation of international environmental agreements, conventions and treaties;

(b)    strengthening and promoting equitable and sustainable utilisation, conservation and management of environment and biodiversity, including forestry and wildlife resources;

(c)    the reinforcement of institutional and legal frameworks and the capacity to develop, implement, administer and enforce environmental laws, regulations, standards and policies;

(d)    the creation of partnerships, linkages and joint ventures between economic operators;

(e)    the prevention of, and mitigation against, natural environmental disasters and the loss of biodiversity;

(f)    the promotion of technology development and adaptation, transfer and applications, R&D, and innovation;

(g)    the protection and management of coastal and marine resources, domestic and wild indigenous biological and genetic resources;

(h)    the development of alternative environmentally friendly activities and livelihoods;

(i)    the production and facilitation of trade in goods and services for which eco-labelling is important;

(j)    information exchange and networking on products and their requirements, in terms of production process, transport, marketing and labelling;

(k)    the development of infrastructure facilities on environmental friendly products;

(l)    the integration of local communities into the management of biodiversity, forestry, and wildlife resources;

(m)    the development of waste management, and the safe disposal of industrial and toxic wastes;

(n)    the promotion of stakeholder participation in international environmental dialogue.

TITLE VI

SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES

ARTICLE 93

Scope and objectives

1.    Cooperation in this Title shall include supporting and building capacity in harmonisation, zoning and compartmentalisation, conformity assessment, information exchange and transparency of trade conditions.

2.    The objectives of cooperation in this Title are to:

(a)    facilitate Parties' inter-regional and intra-regional trade, whilst safeguarding human, animal and plant life or health in accordance with the WTO SPS Agreement;

(b)    address problems arising from SPS measures on agreed priority sectors and products, giving due consideration to regional integration;

(c)    stipulate procedures and modalities for facilitating cooperation in SPS matters;

(d)    ensure transparency as regards SPS measures applicable to trade between and within the Parties;

(e)    promote intra-regional harmonisation of measures with international standards, in accordance with the WTO SPS Agreement, and the development of appropriate policies, legislative, regulatory and institutional frameworks in the EAC Partner State(s)

(f)    enhance the effective participation of the EAC Partner State(s) in the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC);

(g)    promote consultation and exchanges between EAC and EU institutions and laboratories;

(h)    facilitate the development of capacity for setting and implementing regional and national standards in accordance with international requirements in order to facilitate regional integration;

(i)    establish and enhance the EAC Partner State(s)' capacity to implement and monitor SPS measures pursuant to this Article; and

(j)    promote technology transfer.

3.    Subject to the provisions of Article 75, the Parties agree to cooperate in the following areas:

(a)    support the EAC Partner State(s) to comply with SPS measures, including the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks, policies, matters concerning the work of the relevant international standards-setting bodies, training, information events, capacity building, and technical assistance;

(b)    as appropriate, support the harmonisation of SPS measures within the EAC Partner State(s) and the setting-up of national SPS coordinating committees, and to promote the capacity of the public and private sector for sanitary control. Priority areas include development and implementation of a quality programme, training, information events, the building, upgrading, modernisation and accreditation of laboratories.

(c)    support on matters concerning the work of the relevant international standards-setting bodies. This cooperation may include training, information events, capacity building and technical assistance;

(d)    support in the area of fisheries with the aim of developing harmonised regional rules, legislation and standards of fish products to promote trade between the Parties and within the EAC region;

(e)    support with the aim of promoting cooperation between the EAC Partner State(s) SPS institutions and equivalent EU SPS institutions.

(f)    support the implementation of the SPS Agreement, particularly, in strengthening the EAC Partner State(s) competent authorities, notification and enquiry points;

(g)    support information sharing and exchange.

ARTICLE 94

Harmonisation

1.    The Parties shall aim to achieve harmonisation of their respective rules and procedures for formulation of their SPS measures, including inspection, testing and certification procedures, in accordance with the WTO SPS Agreement.

2.    As appropriate, the EAC Partner State(s) will develop, with the support of the EU, a program and timeframe for harmonising their SPS standards

3.    The Committee of Senior Officials shall develop modalities to assist and to monitor the process of harmonisation within the regions, as appropriate.

ARTICLE 95

Zoning and Compartmentalisation

The Parties shall recognise on a case by case basis designated areas which are free from pests or diseases and areas of low pest or disease prevalence as potential sources of plant and animal products, taking into account the provisions of Article 6 of the WTO SPS Agreement.

ARTICLE 96

Special and Differential Treatment and Technical Assistance

1.    The EU agrees to provide technical assistance and special and differential treatment in accordance with Articles 9 and 10 of the WTO SPS Agreement.

2.    The Parties shall cooperate to address the special needs of the EAC Partner State(s) arising from the implementation of provisions of this Title.

3.    The Parties agree that the following areas are priorities for technical assistance:

(a)    the building of technical capacity in the public and private sectors of the EAC Partner State(s) to enable sanitary and phytosanitary controls, including training and information events for inspection, certification, supervision and control;

(b)    the enhancement of technical capacity for the implementation and monitoring of SPS measures, including promoting greater use of international standards;

(c)    the development of capacities for risk analysis, harmonisation, compliance, testing, certification, residue monitoring, traceability and accreditation including through the upgrading or setting-up of laboratories and other equipment to help the EAC Partner State(s) comply with international standards;

(d)    the support for the participation of the EAC Partner State(s) in the work of relevant international standards-setting bodies;

(e)    the development of the EAC Partner State(s)' capacity for effective participation in the notification processes.

TITLE VII

TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE

ARTICLE 97

Scope and objectives

1.    Cooperation in this Title shall include the preparation, adoption and application of technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures, as defined in the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement).

2.    The objectives of cooperation in this Title are to:

(a)    progressively eliminate technical barriers to trade, in order to facilitate trade between the Parties and within the EAC Partner State(s);

(b)    enhance regional integration among EAC Partner State(s) by harmonising standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures applied in the EAC Partner State(s), in accordance with the TBT Agreement;

(c)    promote greater use of international technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures, including sector-specific measures;

(d)    develop functional links, joint ventures and joint research and development work between the EAC Partner State(s) and EU standardisation, conformity assessment and regulatory institutions;

(e)    enhance market access for products originating in the EAC Partner State(s), through improvements in their safety, quality and competitiveness;

(f)    promote the greater use of international best practices for technical regulations, international standards and conformity assessment procedures;

(g)    ensure that the preparation, adoption and application of standards and technical regulations are transparent and do not create unnecessary obstacles to trade between the Parties, in accordance with the provisions of the TBT Agreement;

(h)    support the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks, policies and reforms within the EAC Partner State(s), to meet internationally accepted practices;

(i)    assist the EAC Partner State(s) to implement the TBT Agreement and to comply with the TBT requirements of their trading partners in the context of the TBT Agreement.

3.    Subject to the provisions of Article 75, the Parties agree to cooperate in the following areas:

(a)    support the promotion of greater use of international standards, technical regulations and conformity assessments, including sector-specific measures in the Parties' territories;

(b)    support the EAC Partner State(s)' capacity building in the fields of standardisation, metrology, accreditation and conformity assessment procedures, including support in the upgrading and setting up of laboratories and relevant institutions, as well as the procurement of relevant equipment;

(c)    support quality management and assurance in selected sectors of importance to the EAC Partner State(s);

(d)    support the EAC Partner State(s)' standards and other technical regulatory bodies' full participation in international standard-setting bodies, and reinforcing the role of international standards as a basis for technical regulations;

(e)    support the efforts by EAC Partner State(s)' conformity assessment bodies to obtain international accreditation;

(f)    development of functional links between the Parties' standardisation, conformity assessment and certification institutions;

(g)    support the development of common understanding on good regulatory practices, including:

(i)    transparency in the preparation, adoption and application of technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures;

(ii)    the necessity and proportionality of regulatory measures and related conformity assessment procedures, which may include the use of suppliers' declarations of conformity;

(iii)    the use of international standards as a basis for setting up technical regulations, except where such international standards would be an ineffective or inappropriate means for the fulfilment of the legitimate objectives pursued;

(iv)    the enforcement of technical regulations and market surveillance activities; and

(v)    the establishment of mechanisms and methods for reviewing technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures.

(h)    identification, prioritisation and support in the development of, the necessary technical infrastructure and transfer of technology in terms of metrology, standardisation, testing, certification and accreditation, to support technical regulations;

(i)    enhancement of regulatory, technical and scientific cooperation by, inter alia, exchange of information, experiences and data, with a view to improving the quality and level of the relevant technical regulations and making efficient use of regulatory resources;

(j)    development of compatibility and convergence of the respective technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures;

(k)    promotion and encouragement of bilateral cooperation between the Parties' respective organisations responsible for metrology, standardisation, testing, certification and accreditation;

(l)    promotion of cooperation between the Parties and in the EAC in relation to the work of relevant international institutions and organisations, and fora dealing with TBT issues.

TITLE VIII

CUSTOMS AND TRADE FACILITATION

ARTICLE 98

Scope and objectives

1.    The Parties acknowledge and recognise the importance of cooperation in customs and trade facilitation matters in the evolving global trading environment.

2.    The Parties agree to reinforce cooperation with a view to ensuring that the relevant legislation and procedures, as well as the administrative capacity of the relevant administrations, fulfil the objective of promoting trade facilitation.

3.    The Parties acknowledge the need for proper administrative capacity to meet these objectives. They agree that the EAC Partner State(s) will need transitional periods and capacity building to smoothly implement the provisions of this Title.

4.    The objectives of cooperation in this Title are to:

(a)    facilitate trade between the Parties;

(b)    promote the harmonisation of customs legislation and procedures at regional level;

(c)    provide support to the EAC Partner State(s) to strengthen trade facilitation;

(d)    provide support to the EAC Partner State(s)' customs administrations to implement this Agreement and other international customs best practices;

(e)    enhance cooperation between the Parties' customs authorities and other related border agencies.

5.    Subject to the provisions of Article 75, the Parties agree to cooperate in the following areas:

(a)    exchange of information on customs legislation and procedures;

(b)    development of joint initiatives in mutually agreed areas;

(c)    support of the:

(i)    modernisation of customs systems and procedures and reduction of customs clearance time;

(ii)    simplification and harmonisation of customs procedures and trade formalities, including those related to import, export, and transit;

(iii)    enhancement of regional transit systems;

(iv)    enhancement of transparency in accordance with Article 134;

(v)    capacity building, including financial and technical assistance to the EAC Partner State(s) in this area; and

(vi)    any other area of customs as agreed on by the Parties to this Agreement;

(d)    establishment, as far as possible, of common positions in international organisations in the field of customs and trade facilitation, such as the WTO, WCO, UN and UNCTAD;

(e)    promotion of coordination between all related agencies, both internally and across borders.

6.    The Parties shall cooperate in customs matters and on rules of origin as follows:

(a)    introduction of procedures and practices which reflect international instruments and standards applicable in the field of customs and trade facilitation, including WTO rules and WCO instruments and standards;

(b)    implementation of activities aimed at consolidating the harmonisation of customs standards and trade facilitation measures;

(c)    the application of modern customs techniques, including risk assessment, binding rulings, simplified procedures, post release controls and audit methods;

(d)    the automation of customs and other trade procedures, including electronic exchange of customs and trade information;

(e)    the training of customs officials and other relevant public and private sector officials on customs and trade facilitation; and

(f)    any other areas that may be identified by the Parties.

TITLE IX

EPA ADJUSTMENT MEASURES

ARTICLE 99

Scope and objectives

1.    The Parties recognise that the elimination and /or substantial reduction of tariffs as set out in this Agreement will be a challenge for the EAC Partner State(s). The Parties agree that this specific challenge shall be addressed through the creation of a compensatory framework, subject to the provisions of Annex VI to this Agreement which prevail.

2.    The Parties also recognise that the implementation of this Agreement may result in potential challenges, inter alia social, economic and environmental, to the economies of the EAC Partner State(s). The Parties agree that these challenges shall be addressed through economic and development cooperation actions.

3.    Cooperation in this Title aims at addressing actual and potential adjustment challenges resulting from the implementation of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 100

Areas of Cooperation

1.    With regard to revenue losses linked to the reduction of tariffs, the EU shall, subject to the provisions of Annex VI to this Agreement which prevail:

(a)    engage in an enhanced dialogue on fiscal adaptation measures and reforms;

(b)    establish cooperation modalities to support fiscal reform;

(c)    provide financial resources to cover transitionally the agreed losses of government revenue arising from the elimination of, and/or a substantial reduction in, customs tariffs.

2.    To ensure that the economies of the EAC Partner State(s) take full advantage of this Agreement, the EU agrees to work with the EAC Partner State(s) to undertake appropriate cooperation activities aiming at:

(a)    improving the competitiveness of productive sectors within the EAC Partner State(s);

(b)    improving productive and professional capacities of the workforce of the EAC Partner State(s), including training of workers displaced by the closure of firms and/or equipping them with new skills for new activities etc.;

(c)    supporting measures towards sustainable environment;

(d)    building capacity to enhance macro-economic discipline;

(e)    mitigating the possible impacts affecting food and nutrition security, rural development, livelihood security and export earnings in the EAC Partner State(s);

(f)    addressing other possible cooperation areas related to the implementation challenges of this Agreement.

TITLE X