Non-application

Non-application and the GATT Policy Negotiations

In relation to the GATT Policy Negotiations, Christopher Mark (1993) provided the following explanation and/or definition of Non-application: In the context of Uruguay Round discussions of a proposed Multilateral Trade Organization, refers to a signatory's right to “non-apply” portions of the MTO agreements to any other country at the time it becomes a member. Preservation of such a right can have an important effect on ongoing negotiations in various areas that would be incorporated in an MTO –e.g., on market access for goods and services, and on intellectual property protection –because it prevents free-riders and maintains incentives for countries to exchange reciprocal concessions within each area.