As soon as the agreement enters into force, EFTA states lift all tariffs on imports of industrial products, including fish and other seafood originating in the Philippines. The Philippines will phase out tariffs on industrial products, including fish and other seafood, originating in an EFTA state. Certain product lines, particularly in the fish and other seafood sectors, are excluded from the removal or reduction of tariffs. Tariff concessions for industrial products, including fish and other seafood, are included in Appendix II and III. The Investment Chapter (Chapter 7) establishes a requirement for contracting parties to authorize the investments of other contracting parties in accordance with their laws and regulations. It also expresses the intention of the parties to offer investors from other parties stable, non-discriminatory and transparent investment conditions and stresses the importance of investment promotion. In addition, the parties recognize that it is inappropriate to encourage investment by relaxing health, safety and environmental standards. Finally, the chapter provides for a review of investment issues within five years of the agreement`s entry into force, taking into account the treatment of non-party parties in other free trade agreements. The free trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will enter into force for Switzerland and the Philippines on 1 June 2018. Last March, the Philippine Senate ratified the free trade agreement with EFTA as part of the country`s strategy to further establish itself in the European market. EFTA includes some of the richest nations in the world – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. After its implementation, the agreement will be the second bilateral free trade agreement between the Philippines, following the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) in 2008.

Use the drop-down menu to search for an agreement by grouping of countries, type of contract or status. Or use the filter option to search for keywords. Philippines – European Free Trade Association Free Trade Agreement The Philippines and EFTA countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – signed a free trade agreement in 2016, which is expected to enter into force in 2018.