. /.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/C/W/458
14 March 2003
(03-1490)
Council for Trade in Goods
INTRODUCTION OF HARMONIZED SYSTEM 1996 CHANGES
INTO WTO SCHEDULES OF TARIFF CONCESSIONS
Pakistan– Schedule XV
Draft Waiver Decision
The General Council,Considering  that the Members of the WTO, by their Decisions of 13 December 1995, 18 July
1996, 24 April 1997, 24 April 1998, 14 October 1998, 15 June 1999, 4 November 1999, 3 May 2000,
8 December 2000, 8 May 2001 and 13 May 2002
 1, acting pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 3 of
Article IX of the WTO Agreement, suspended the application of the provisions of Article II of GATT
1994 until 30 April 2003, for the purpose of enabling the Members listed in the Annex to implement
the recommended amendments to the Harmonized System nomenclature;
Considering  that by their Decision of 8 May 2001 the Members of the WTO also agreed that
it would be the last time an extension of HS96 waiver would be granted on a collective basis, but that
this would not, however, preclude Members fr om requesting waivers on an individual basis.
Noting  that Pakistan has requested a waiver for reasons explained in its request2;
Considering  that Pakistan would need more time to proceed with consultations or possible
Article XXVIII negotiations;
Acting  pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 3 of Article IX of the WTO Agreement;
Decides , in view of the exceptional circumstances, to suspend the application of the
provisions of Article II of GATT 1994, until 30 April 2004, for the purpose of enabling Pakistan to
implement the recommended amendments to the Ha rmonized System nomenclature, subject to the
following conditions:
(i) Pakistan shall, where necessary, promptly enter into negotiations and consultations with
interested Members pursuant to paragraphs 1-3 of Article XXVIII of GATT 1994;
(ii) the negotiations and consultations mentioned above shall be completed not later than
30 April 2004;
                                                     
1 WT/L/124+Corr.1, WT/L/173, WT/L/216, WT/L/243, WT/L/268, WT/L/281, WT/L/303, WT/L/338,
WT/L/351, WT/L/379, WT/L/400 and WT/L/466.
2 G/L/612.G/C/W/458
Page 2
(iii) pending the entry into force of the results of the negotiations or consultations mentioned
above, the other Members will be free, pursuant to Article XXVIII:3, to suspend concessions
initially negotiated with Pakistan to the extent that they consider that adequate compensation
is not offered by Pakistan.
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