How to become a signatory to the MOC

The procedure for becoming a signatory to the MOC is set out under paragraph 11 of the MOC.

In summary:

An economy submits a written application (in English) explaining how it meets the eligibility criteria. The application must include:

• all information necessary to show the economy meets the eligibility criteria for becoming a signatory; and
• the amendments it requires to the MOC (including in Annexes 1, 3 and 4).

(If the economy does not meet all the eligibility criteria at the time of application, it should explain its intention to become eligible, the steps it will take to become eligible, how likely it will be for it to implement the ARFP if it becomes a signatory and the expected timeframe).

The Joint Committee has 6 months from receipt of the application (or such longer period as agreed) to assess the economy’s eligibility.

If the economy is assessed as eligible:

• The Joint Committee will recommend that the economy is eligible and within 28 days (or such longer period as agreed) of the recommendation, each ARFP participant will notify the Chair in writing whether it agrees with the recommendation.
• Within 28 days of receiving the last notification from the ARFP participants, the Chair will advise the economy in writing whether it has been accepted as a signatory. (Acceptance of the economy as a signatory requires all ARFP participants to agree with the Joint Committee’s recommendation).

• If the economy is accepted as a signatory, it will become a signatory on the date it provides its signed acceptance form to the Chair (or on a later date as agreed).
• If the economy is not accepted as a signatory (because there is a lack of unanimous agreement by the ARFP participants, or not all ARFP participants have notified their agreement within the required timeframe), the Chair will inform the economy that the application has not been accepted and the reasons.

If the economy is assessed as not eligible to become a signatory:

• The Joint Committee will recommend that the economy is not eligible and will provide suggestions (where possible) to the economy on what might be needed to be addressed in any further application.
• Within 28 days (or such longer period as agreed) of the recommendation, each ARFP participant will notify the Chair in writing whether it agrees with the recommendation.
• Within 28 days of receiving the last notification from the ARFP participants, the Chair will advise the economy in writing of the outcome of the application.

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