Media Release
New APEC agreement to liberalise telecommunications trade
A new agreement aiming to facilitate trade in telecommunications products within the APEC region was announced today by
the Australian Communications Authority (ACA). The APEC Telecommunications Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) was made
between Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei.
In announcing the implementation arrangements, Mr Tony Shaw, Chairman of the ACA, said, "The MRA means that Australian
companies can have their telecommunications products certified compliant with the regulatory requirements of other
markets, saving time and money. Conformity assessment may now be carried out in the exporting country rather than at the
destination."
The MRA was endorsed by APEC Telecommunications and Information Industry Ministers in June 1998, and commenced in July
1999. The four economies involved in today's announcement intend to rely on mutual recognition arrangements between
their accreditation bodies - such as Australia's National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) - to streamline
their participation in the arrangement.
"This approach will eliminate the need for duplication of testing and certification, and represents a significant step
in reducing technical barriers to trade in telecommunications," Mr Shaw said.
While at this stage only four economies are ready to adopt this streamlined approach to implementing the MRA, others
are expected to follow.
Japan, Korea and the United States have already announced that they are taking steps to change their regulatory
arrangements to enable participation in the MRA. Altogether, 19 APEC members have made similar commitments.
"Australia is a leader in the field of telecommunications self-regulation. The implementation of MRA arrangements will
facilitate increased access to the markets of the APEC economies involved," Mr Shaw said.