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Additional Annexes

Chapter-3-Annex-3A-Product-Specific-Rules.pdf

Chapter-3-Annex-3B-Minimum-Information-Requirements.pdf

Chapter-4-Annex-4A-Period-of-Time-to-Implement-the-Commitments.pdf

Chapter-7-Annex-7A-Practices-Relating-to-Anti-Dumping-and-Countervailing-Duty-Proceedings.pdf

Chapter-8-Annex-8A-Financial-Services.pdf

Chapter-8-Annex-8B-Telecommunications-Services.pdf

Chapter-8-Annex-8C-Professional-Services.pdf

Chapter-10-Annex-10A-Customary-International-Law.pdf

Chapter-10-Annex-10B-Expropriation.pdf

Chapter-11-Annex-11A-Party-Specific-Transition-Periods.pdf

Chapter-11-Annex-11B-List-of-Technical-Assistance-Requests.pdf

Chapter-13-Annex-13A-Application-of-Article-13.3-Appropriate-Measures-against-Anti-Competitive-Activities-and-Article-13.4-Cooperation-to-Brunei-Darussalam.pdf

Chapter-13-Annex-13B-Application-of-Article-13.3-Appropriate-Measures-against-Anti-Competitive-Activities-and-Article-13.4-Cooperation-to-Cambodia.pdf

Chapter-13-Annex-13C-Application-of-Article-13.3-Appropriate-Measures-against-Anti-Competitive-Activities-and-Article-13.4-Cooperation-to-Lao-PDR.pdf

Chapter-13-Annex-13D-Application-of-Article-13.3-Appropriate-Measures-against-Anti-Competitive-Activities-and-Article-13.4-Cooperation-to-Myanmar.pdf

Chapter-16-Annex-16A-Paper-or-Electronic-Means-Utilised-by-Parties-for-the-Publication-of-Transparency-Information.pdf

Chapter-18-Annex-18A-Functions-of-the-Subsidiary-Bodies-of-the-RCEP-Joint-Committee.pdf

Summary Information
Full Title

2020 Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

Short Title / Abbreviations

2020 RCEP

CIL Subject Classification
Date of Adoption 15/11/2020
Place of Adoption 4th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit via Video Conference
Issued/Adopted by Economic and Trade Ministers of ASEAN, Australia, People's Republic of China, Japan, Republic of Korea and New Zealand
Dispute settlement provisions

See Chapter 19 – Dispute Settlement.

However, see Article 12.17: Settlement of Disputes, for matters involving Electronic Commerce:

  1. “In the event of any differences between Parties regarding the interpretation and application of this Chapter, the Parties concerned shall first engage in consultations in good faith and make every effort to reach a mutually satisfactory solution.
  2. In the event that the consultations referred to in paragraph 1 fail to resolve the differences, any Party engaged in the consultations may refer the matter to the RCEP Joint Committee in accordance with Article 18.3 (Functions of the RCEP Joint Committee).
  3. No Party shall have recourse to dispute settlement under Chapter 19 (Dispute Settlement) for any matter arising under this Chapter. As part of any general review of this Agreement undertaken in accordance with Article 20.8 (General Review), the Parties shall review the application of Chapter 19 (Dispute Settlement) to this Chapter. Following the completion of the review, Chapter 19 (Dispute Settlement) shall apply to this Chapter between those Parties that have agreed to its application.”

 

See also Article 13.9: Non-Application of Dispute Settlement, for matters involving Competition:

“No Party shall have recourse to dispute settlement under Chapter 19 (Dispute Settlement) for any matter arising under this Chapter.”

 

See also Article 17 for other exemptions to Article 19:

Article 17.9: Measures against Corruption: “2. No Party shall have recourse to dispute settlement under Chapter 19 (Dispute Settlement) for any matter arising under this Article.”

Article 17.11: Screening Regime and Dispute Settlement: “A decision by a competent authority, including a foreign investment authority, of a Party on whether or not to approve or admit a foreign investment proposal, and the enforcement of any conditions or requirements that an approval or admission is subject to, shall not be subject to the dispute settlement provisions under Chapter 19 (Dispute Settlement).”

Depository

Secretary-General of ASEAN

Annexes

Chapter Annexes:

Annex 3A (Product-Specific Rules)

Annex 3B (Minimum Information Requirements)

Annex 4A (Period of Time to Implement the Commitments)

Annex 7A (Practices Relating to Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings)

Annex 8A (Financial Services)

Annex 8B (Telecommunications Services)

Annex 8C (Professional Services)

Annex 10A (Customary International Law)

Annex 10B (Expropriation)

Annex 11A (Party-Specific Transition Periods)

Annex 11B (List of Technical Assistance Requests)

Annex 13A (Application of Article 13.3 (Appropriate Measures against Anti-Competitive Activities) and Article 13.4 (Cooperation) to Brunei Darussalam)

Annex 13B (Application of Article 13.3 (Appropriate Measures against Anti-Competitive Activities) and Article 13.4 (Cooperation) to Cambodia)

Annex 13C (Application of Article 13.3 (Appropriate Measures against Anti-Competitive Activities) and Article 13.4 (Cooperation) to Lao PDR)

Annex 13D (Application of Article 13.3 (Appropriate Measures against Anti-Competitive Activities) and Article 13.4 (Cooperation) to Myanmar)

Annex 16A (Paper or Electronic Means Utilised by Parties for the Publication of Transparency Information)

Annex 18A (Functions of the Subsidiary Bodies of the RCEP Joint Committee)

 

Market Access Annexes:

Annex I – Schedules of Tariff Commitments

  • Annex I – General Headnotes
  • Brunei Darussalam – Headnotes
  • Brunei Darussalam – Schedule of Tariff Commitments
  • Cambodia – Headnotes
  • Cambodia – Schedule of Tariff Commitments
  • Indonesia – Headnotes
  • Indonesia – Schedule of Tariff Commitments
  • Indonesia – Appendix on Tariff Differentials
  • Lao PDR – Headnotes
  • Lao PDR – Schedule of Tariff Commitments
  • Malaysia – Headnotes
  • Malaysia – Schedule of Tariff Commitments
  • Myanmar – Headnotes
  • Myanmar – Schedule of Tariff Commitments
  • Philippines – Headnotes
  • Philippines – Schedule of Tariff Commitments
  • Philippines – Appendix on Tariff Differentials
  • Singapore – Headnotes
  • Thailand – Headnotes
  • Thailand – Schedule of Tariff Commitments
  • Thailand – Appendix on Tariff Differentials
  • Viet Nam – Headnotes
  • Viet Nam – Schedule of Tariff Commitments
  • Viet Nam – Appendix on Tariff Differentials
  • Australia – Headnotes
  • Australia – Schedule of Tariff Commitments
  • China – Headnotes
  • China – Schedule of Tariff Commitments
  • China – Appendix on Tariff Differentials
  • Japan – Headnotes
  • Japan – Schedule of Tariff Commitments
  • Japan – Appendix on Tariff Differentials
  • Korea – Headnotes
  • Korea – Schedule of Tariff Commitments
  • Korea – Appendix on Tariff Differentials
  • New Zealand – Headnotes
  • New Zealand – Schedule of Tariff Commitments

Annex II – Schedules of Specific Commitments for Services

  • Cambodia – Schedule of Specific Commitments for Services
  • Lao PDR – Schedule of Specific Commitments for Services
  • Myanmar – Schedule of Specific Commitments for Services
  • Philippines – Schedule of Specific Commitments for Services
  • Thailand – Schedule of Specific Commitments for Services
  • Viet Nam – Schedule of Specific Commitments for Services
  • China – Schedule of Specific Commitments for Services
  • New Zealand – Schedule of Specific Commitments for Services

Annex III – Schedules of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Services and Investment

  • Brunei Darussalam – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Investment
  • Cambodia – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Services
  • Indonesia – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Services
  • Indonesia – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Investment
  • Lao PDR – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Investment
  • Malaysia – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Services and Investment
  • Myanmar – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Investment
  • Philippines – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Investment
  • Singapore – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Services and Investment
  • Thailand – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Investment
  • Viet Nam – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Investment
  • Australia – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Services and Investment
  • China – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Investment
  • Japan – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Services and Investment
  • Korea – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Services and Investment
  • New Zealand – Schedule of Reservations and Non-Conforming Measures for Investment

Annex IV – Schedules of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons

  • Brunei Darussalam – Schedule of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
  • Cambodia – Schedule of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
  • Indonesia – Schedule of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
  • Lao PDR – Schedule of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
  • Malaysia – Schedule of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
  • Myanmar – Schedule of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
  • Philippines – Schedule of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
  • Singapore – Schedule of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
  • Thailand – Schedule of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
  • Viet Nam – Schedule of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
  • Australia – Schedule of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
  • China – Schedule of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
  • Japan – Schedule of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
  • Korea – Schedule of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
  • New Zealand – Schedule of Specific Commitments on Temporary Movement of Natural Persons
Entry Into Force Status In Force
Source

RCEP Secretariat

Date of Entry into Force

01/01/2022

Entry into Force / Termination Provisions

Article 20.6: Entry into Force

1. This Agreement shall be subject to ratification, acceptance, or approval by each signatory State in accordance with its applicable legal procedures. The instrument of ratification, acceptance, or approval of a signatory State shall be deposited with the Depositary.

2. This Agreement shall enter into force for those signatory States that have deposited their instrument of ratification, acceptance, or approval, 60 days after the date on which at least six signatory States which are Member States of ASEAN and three signatory States other than Member States of ASEAN have deposited their instrument of ratification, acceptance, or approval with the Depositary.

3. After the date of entry into force of this Agreement, this Agreement shall enter into force for any other signatory State 60 days after the date on which it has deposited its instrument of ratification, acceptance, or approval with the Depositary.

 

Article 20.8: General Review

1. The Parties shall undertake a general review of this Agreement with a view to updating and enhancing this Agreement to ensure that this Agreement remains relevant to the trade and investment issues and challenges confronting the Parties, five years after the date of entry into force of this Agreement, and every five years thereafter, unless the Parties agree otherwise.

2. In conducting a review pursuant to this Article, the Parties shall:

(a) consider ways to further enhance trade and investment among the Parties; and

(b) take into account:

(i) the work of all committees and subsidiary bodies established pursuant to Chapter 18 (Institutional Provisions); and

(ii) relevant developments in international fora.

Status
ASEAN States (Source:

Note: There is no single source for the status of RCEP in each ASEAN state (such as the ASEAN or RCEP Secretariats). 

Links to status from member states’ official ministries (where available):

  • Brunei Darussalam: Press Release from the Ministry of Finance and Economy, Brunei Darussalam

  • Cambodia: Not available. See instead this Press Release from the ASEAN Secretariat stating that RCEP entered into force for Cambodia.

  • Indonesia: Press Release from the Ministry of Trade, Indonesia.

  • Lao PDR: Not available. See instead this Press Release from the ASEAN Secretariat stating that RCEP entered into force for Lao PDR.

  • Malaysia: Media Release from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia

  • Myanmar: Press Release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Myanmar.

    • Note however that following the ‘situation in Myanmar‘, Myanmar’s ratification document appears to be in question with the ASEAN Secretariat, which has not acknowledged in its Press Release that RCEP has entered into force for Myanmar. A Press Release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also states that there are “delays for [RCEP] to enter into force for Myanmar”.

    • Singapore and China appear to recognise Myanmar’s ratification.
    • The Philippines and New Zealand appear to not recognise Myanmar’s ratification.
  • The Philippines: Press Release from Senate of the Philippines, 19th Congress
  • Singapore: Press Release from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore
  • Thailand: Press Release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand
  • Australia : Media Release by the Honourable Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, and Senator the Hon Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Women

  • China: Press Release from the Ministry of Commerce of the Peoples’ Republic of China

  • Japan: Press Release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan

  • Korea: Report from the Ministry of Trade, industry and Energy, South Korea

  • New Zealand: Timeline from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand

as of 13/02/2023)
Brunei Darussalam Signature 15/11/2020
Ratification 11/10/2021
Cambodia Signature 15/11/2020
Ratification 
Indonesia Signature 15/11/2020
Ratification 20/08/2022
Lao PDR Signature 15/11/2020
Ratification 
Malaysia Signature 15/11/2020
Ratification 17/01/2022
Myanmar Signature 15/11/2020
In Question 
Philippines Signature 15/11/2020
Ratification 21/02/2023
Singapore Signature 15/11/2020
Ratification 09/04/2021
Thailand Signature 15/11/2020
Ratification 28/10/2021
Vietnam Signature 15/11/2020
Ratification 29/10/2021
Other Country Australia   Signature (15/11/2020) Ratification (02/11/2021)
People's Republic of China   Signature (15/11/2020) Ratification (15/04/2021)
Japan   Signature (15/11/2020) Ratification (25/6/2021)
Republic of Korea   Signature (15/11/2020) Ratification (03/12/2021)
New Zealand   Signature (15/11/2020) Ratification (02/11/2021)
Related Instruments
Related Instruments

2018 Joint Media Statement on the Fifth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Intersessional Ministerial Meeting

2018 Joint Media Statement on the Fourth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Intersessional Ministerial Meeting

2017 Joint Leaders’ Statement on the Negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

2017 Joint Media Statement on the Fifth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial Meeting

2017 Joint Media Statement on the Third Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Intersessional Ministerial Meeting

2016 Joint Leaders’ Statement on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

2016 Joint Media Statement on the Second Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Intersessional Ministerial Meeting

2015 Joint Media Statement of the Third Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial Meeting

2015 Joint Statement on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Negotiations

2014 Joint Media Statement of the Second Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial Meeting

2013 Joint Media Statement on the First Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial Meeting

2012 Guiding Principles and Objectives for Negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

2012 Joint Declaration on the Launch of Negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

2011 ASEAN Framework for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

2009 ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement

1994 Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organisation

External Links
Additional Information

Please note that official data on individual countries’ RCEP ratification status was unavailable at the time of update. Ratification dates provided in this entry have been obtained from press releases and media reports. See “ASEAN States Source” above.