WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/L/397
10 May 2001
(01-2414)
NICARAGUA – ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW SCHEDULE XXIX
Extension of Time-Limit
Decision of 8 May 20011
The General Council,
Considering  that by a Decision of 26 January 19942, the application of the provisions of Article II
of the GATT 1947 was suspended to enable the Government of Nicaragua to implement the Central
American Tariff System (SAC) which is based on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding
System (Harmonized System);
Noting  that by successive decisions, the time-limit of the waiver granted to Nicaragua has been
extended until 30 April 20013;
Considering  that by a Decision of 31 January 19954, the General Council established a list of
waivers existing at the entry into force of the WTO Agreement, which included the waiver granted to
Nicaragua for the establishment of a new Schedule XXIX;
Taking into account  that the Government of Nicaragua has submitted the necessary factual
documentation for the initiation of negotiations5 and that two Members have reserved their negotiating
rights;
Noting  that one Member has lifted its reservation and that Nicaragua is continuing negotiations
with the other Member;
Considering  that in order to fulfil the procedures established by the Council Decision of 12 July
1993 for rectification and renegotiation of the schedules of concessions negotiated in GATT under theHarmonized System and in order to hold consultations in conformity with the provisions of Article
XXVIII, the Government of Nicaragua, having fulfil led the requirements of the Understanding in Respect
of Waivers of Obligations under the GATT 1994, has requested a further extension of the waiver of its
obligations under Article II of GATT 1994
6;
The General Council, acting pursuant to the provisions of Article IX of the WTO Agreement;
Decides , in view of the exceptional circumstances, to extend until 31 October 2001 the time-limit
provided for in the Decision of 26 January 1994.
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1 Adopted in accordance with the Decision-Making Procedures under Articles IX and XII of the WTO
Agreement agreed by the General Council (WT/L/93).
2 L/7406.
3 WT/L/376.
4 WT/L/3 + Corr.1.
5 G/SECRET/HS/3.
6 G/L/442.