Protocol of Provisional Application

Protocol of Provisional Application and the GATT Policy Negotiations

In relation to the GATT Policy Negotiations, Christopher Mark (1993) provided the following explanation and/or definition of Protocol of Provisional Application: The legal device that enabled the original Contracting Parties of the GATT to accept general GATT obligations and benefits, despite the fact that some of their existing domestic legislation discriminated against imports in a manner that was inconsistent with certain GATT provisions (see grandfather clause). Although the protocol was intended to be temporary, it has remained in effect since 1947 (see International Trade Organization, Sec. III).Countries that acceded to the GATT after 1947 do not have recourse to the protocol.