EC/Turkey: negotiation and conclusion of an agreement on the Customs Union

PURPOSE: the putting in place of the Customs Union with Turkey. COMMUNITY MEASURE: Decision 1/95 of the EC-Turkey Association Council of 22 December 1995 on implementing the final phase of the Customs Union (96/142/EEC). CONTENT: The main provisions of this Council Decision are the following: - The free movement of goods and commercial policy. Products from third countries shall be considered to be in free circulation in the Community or in Turkey if the import facilities have been complied with and any custom duties or charges having equivalent effect which are payable have been levied in the Community or in Turkey, and if they have not benefited from a total or partial reimbursement of such duties or charges; - Elimination of customs duties and charges having equivalent effect. Customs duties shall be wholly abolished between the Community and Turkey on the date of entry into force of this Decision. Also, the Community and Turkey shall refrain from introducing any new customs duties on imports or exports or any charges having equivalent effect from that date; - Elimination of quantitative restrictions or measures having equivalent effect; - After entry into force of this Decision, Turkey shall, in relation to countries which are not members of the Community, apply provisions and implementing measures which are substantially similar to those of the Community's commercial policy; - Upon entry into force of this Decision, Turkey shall, in relation to countries which are not members of the Community, align itself to the Common Customs Tariff; - Processed agricultural products not covered by Annex II of the Treaty establishing the European Community; - Approximation of laws. This relates to the protection of intellectual, industrial and commercial property as well as competition rules. - Approximation of legislation. This relates to trade defence instruments, government procurement, direct taxation and indirect taxation. - Institutional provisions. This relates to the EC-Turkey Customs Union Joint Committee, consultation and decision procedures, settlement of disputes and safeguard measures. ENTRY INTO FORCE: This Decision shall enter into force on 31.12.1995.�