Japan-Brunei Economic Partnership Agreement (JBEPA)

The Japan-Brunei Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force in July 2008. It provides for the elimination of export duties and non-tariff measures, as well as for the gradual elimination of import duties- notably for fossil fuels, iron, metals, ammonia, steel, aluminium, electric generators and machinery, battery packs and cells, anodes, heat pumps, electric cars, and ICE cars.

The Agreement however allows the adoption of bilateral safeguard measures to prevent or remedy serious injuries to a domestic industry of one of the signatory countries resulting from an increase in imports brought by the reduction of a customs duty.

Specific rule of origins applies to confer originating status in order to qualify for preferential tariff treatment : goods need to be wholly produced or have undergone a significant production process (eg. one that entails a change in tariff classification) in one of the parties' territories, and/or to meet a minimum local value content of 40%.

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