THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN INTERIM AGREEMENT ON THE WEST BANK AND THE GAZA STRIP
ANNEX V Protocol on Economic Relations
INDEX
PROTOCOL ON ECONOMIC RELATIONS between the Government of the State of Israel
and the P.L.O., representing the Palestinian people Paris, April 9, 1994
PREAMBLE
The two parties view the economic domain as one of the
cornerstone in their mutual relations with a view to enhance their interest in the achievement of a just, lasting and
comprehensive peace. Both parties shall cooperate in this field in order to establish a sound economic base for these
relations, which will be governed in various economic spheres by the principles of mutual respect of each other's
economic interests, reciprocity, equity and fairness.
This protocol lays the groundwork for strengthening the economic base of the Palestinian side and for exercising its
right of economic decision making in accordance with its own development plan and priorities. The two parties recognise
each other's economic ties with other markets and the need to create a better economic environment for their peoples and
individuals.
Article I
FRAMEWORK AND SCOPE OF THIS PROTOCOL
- This protocol establishes the contractual agreement that will govern the economic relations between the two sides
and will cover the West Bank and the Gaza Strip during the interim period. The implementation will be according to the
stages envisaged in the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self Government Arrangements signed in Washington D.C. on
September 13, 1993 and the Agreed Minutes thereto. It will therefore begin in the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area and at
a later stage will also apply to the rest of the West Bank, according to the provisions of the Interim Agreement and to
any other agreed arrangements between the two sides.
- This Protocol, including its Appendixes, will be incorporated into the Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho
Area (in this Protocol - the Agreement), will be an integral part thereof and interpreted accordingly. This paragraph
refers solely to the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area.
- This Protocol will come into force upon the signing of the Agreement.
- For the purpose of this Protocol, the term "Areas" means the areas under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian
Authority, according to the provisions of the Agreement regarding territorial jurisdiction. The Palestinian Jurisdiction
in the subsequent agreements could cover areas, spheres or functions according to the Interim Agreement. Therefore, for
the purpose of this Protocol, whenever applied, the term "Areas" shall be interpreted to mean functions and spheres
also, as the case may be, with the necessary adjustments.
Article II
THE JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE
- Both parties will establish a Palestinian-Israeli Joint Economic Committee (hereinafter - the JEC) to follow up the
implementation of this Protocol and to decide on problems related to it that may arise from time to time. Each side may
request the review of any issue related to this Agreement by the JEC.
- The JEC will serve as the continuing committee for economic cooperation envisaged in Annex III of the Declaration of
Principles.
- The JEC will consist of an equal number of members from each side and may establish sub-committees specified in this
Protocol.
A sub-committee may include experts as necessary.
- The JEC and its sub-committees shall reach their decisions by agreement and shall determine their rules of procedure
and operation, including the frequency and place or places of their meetings.
Article III
IMPORT TAXES AND IMPORT POLICY
- The import and customs policies of both sides will be according to the principles and arrangements detailed in this
Article.
- The Palestinian Authority will have all powers and responsibilities in the sphere of import and customs policy and
procedures with regard to the following:
- Goods on List Al, attached hereto as Appendix I locally-produced in Jordan and in Egypt particularly and in the
other Arab countries, which the Palestinians will be able to import in quantities agreed upon by the two sides up to the
Palestinian market needs as estimated according to para 3 below.
- Goods on List A2, attached hereto as Appendix II, from the Arab, Islamic and other countries, which the Palestinians
will be able to import in quantities agreed upon by the two sides up to the Palestinian market needs as estimated
according to para 3 below.
- The import policy of the Palestinian Authority for Lists Al and A2 will include independently determining and
changing from time to time the rates of customs, purchase tax, levies, excises and other charges, the regulation of
licensing requirements and procedures and of standard requirements. The valuation for custom purposes will be based upon
the GATT 1994 agreement as of the date it will be introduced in Israel, and until then - on the Brussels Definition of
Valuation (BDV) system. The classification of goods will be based on the principles of "the Harmonized Commodity
Description and Coding System". Concerning imports referred to in Article VII of this Protocol (Agriculture), the
provisions of that Article will apply.
- For the purposes of para 2(a) above, the Palestinian market needs for 1994 will be estimated by a sub-committee of
experts. These estimates will be based on the best available data regarding past consumption, production, investment and
external trade of the Areas. The sub-committee will submit its estimate within three months from the signing of the
Agreement. These estimates will be reviewed and updated every six months by the sub-committee, on the basis of the best
data available regarding the latest period for which relevant data are available, taking into consideration all relevant
economic and social indicators. Pending an agreement on the Palestinian market needs, the previous period's estimates
adjusted for population growth and rise in per-capita GNP in the previous period, will serve as provisional estimate.
- The Palestinian Authority will have all powers and responsibilities to independently determine and change from time
to time the rates of customs, purchase taxes; levies, excises and other charges on the goods on List B, attached hereto
as Appendix III, of basic food items and other goods for the Palestinian economic development program, imported by the
Palestinians to the Areas.
- With respect to all goods not specified in Lists Al, A2 and B, and with respect to quantities exceeding those
determined in accordance with paras 2(a) & 3 above (hereinafter - the Quantities), the Israeli rates of customs,
purchase tax, levies, excises and other charges, prevailing at the date of signing of the Agreement , as changed from
time to time, shall serve as the minimum basis for the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian Authority may decide on
any upward changes in the rates on these goods and exceeding quantities when imported by the Palestinians to the Areas.
- With respect to all goods not specified in Lists A1 and A2, and with respect to quantities exceeding the Quantities,
Israel and the Palestinian Authority will employ for all imports the same system of importation, as stipulated in para
10 below, including inter alia standards, licensing, country of origin, valuation for customs purposes etc.
- Each side will notify the other side immediately of changes made in rates and in other matters of import policy,
regulations and procedures, determined by it within its respective powers and responsibilities as detailed in this
Article. With regard to changes which do not require immediate application upon decision, there will be a process of
advance notifications and mutual consultations which will take into consideration all aspects and economic implications.
- The Palestinian Authority will levy VAT at one rate on both locally produced goods and services and on imports by
the Palestinians (whether covered by the three Lists mentioned above or not), and may fix it at the level of 15% to 16%.
- Goods imported from Jordan, Egypt and other Arab countries according to para 2(a)(1) above (List Al) will comply
with rules of origin agreed upon by a joint sub-committee within three months of the date of the signing of the
Agreement. Pending an agreement, goods will be considered to have been "locally produced" in any of those countries if
they conform with all the following:
- They have been wholly grown, produced, or manufactured in that country, or have been substantially transformed there
into new or different goods, having a new name, character, or use, distinct from the goods or materials from which they
were so transformed;
- They have been imported directly from the said country;
- The value or the costs of the materials produced in that country, plus the direct processing costs in it, do not
fall short of 30 percent of the export value of the goods. This rate may be reviewed by the joint committee mentioned in
para 16 a year after the signing of the Agreement.
- The goods are accompanied by an internationally recognized certificate of origin;
- No goods will be deemed as substantially new or different goods, and no material will be eligible for inclusion as
domestic content, by virtue of having merely undergone simple combining or packaging, or dilution with water or other
substances, which do not materially alter the characteristics of the said goods.
- Each side will issue import licences to its own importers, subject to the principles of this Article and will be
responsible for the implementation of the licensing requirements and procedures prevailing at the time of the issuance
of the licenses. Mutual arrangements will be made for the exchange of information relevant to licensing matters.
- Except for the goods on Lists Al and A2 and their Quantities - in which the Palestinian Authority has all powers and
responsibilities, both sides will maintain the same import policy (except for rates of import taxes and other charges
for goods in List B) and regulations including classification, valuation and other customs procedures, which are based
on the principles governing international codes, and the same policies of import licensing and of standards for imported
goods, all as applied by Israel with respect to its importation. Israel may from time to time introduce changes in any
of the above, provided that changes in standard requirements will not constitute a non-tariff-barrier and will be based
on considerations of health, safety and the protection of the environment in conformity with Article 2.2. of the
Agreement on Technical Barriers to trade of the Final Act of the Uruguay Round of Trade Negotiations. Israel will give
the Palestinian Authority prior notice of any such changes, and the provisions of para 6 above will apply.
- The Palestinian Authority will determine its own rates of customs and purchase tax on motor vehicles imported as
such, to be registered with the Palestinian Authority. The vehicle standards will be those applied at the date of the
signing of the Agreement as changed according to para 10 above. However, the Palestinian Authority may request, through
the sub-committee on transportation, that in special cases different standards will apply. Used motor vehicles will be
imported only if they are passenger cars or dual-purpose passenger cars of a model of no more than three years prior to
the importation year. The sub-committee on transportation will determine the procedures for testing and confirming that
such used cars comply with the standards' requirements for that model year. The issue of importing commercial vehicles
of a model prior to the importation year will be discussed in the joint sub-committee mentioned in para 16 below.
- Each side may determine the terms and conditions for the transfer of motor vehicles registered in the other side to
the ownership or use of a resident of its own side, including the payment of the difference of import taxes, if any, and
the vehicle having been tested and found compatible with the standards required at that time by its own registration
administration, and may prohibit transfer of vehicles.
- Jordanian standards, as specified in the attached Appendix I, will be acceptable in importing petroleum products
into the Areas, once they meet the average of the standards existing in the European Union countries, or the USA
standards, which parameters have been set at the values prescribed for the geographical conditions of Israel, the Gaza
Strip and the West Bank. Cases of petroleum products which do not meet these specifications will be referred to a joint
experts' committee for a suitable solution. The committee may mutually decide to accept different standards for the
importation of gasoline which meet the Jordanian standards even though, in some of their parameters, they do not meet
the European Community or USA standards. The committee will give its decision within six months. Pending the committee's
decision, and for not longer than six months of the signing of the Agreement, the Palestinian Authority may import to
the Areas, gasoline for the Palestinian market in the Areas, according to the needs of this market, provided that:
- this gasoline is marked in a distinctive colour to differentiate it from the gasoline marketed in Israel; and
- the Palestinian Authority will take all the necessary steps to ensure that this gasoline is not marketed in Israel.
- The difference in the final price of gasoline to consumers in Israel and to consumers in the Areas, will not exceed
15% of the official final consumer price in Israel. The Palestinian Authority has the right to determine the prices of
petroleum products, other than gasoline, for consumption in the Areas.
- If Egyptian gasoline standards will comply with the conditions of sub-para (a) above, the importation of Egyptian
gasoline will also be allowed.
- In addition to the points of exit and entry designated according to the Article regarding Passages in Annex I of the
Agreement for the purpose of export and import of goods, the Palestinian side has the right to use all points of exit
and entry in Israel designated for that purpose. The import and export of the Palestinians through the points of exit
and entry in Israel will be given equal trade and economic treatment.
- In the entry points of the Jordan River and the Gaza Strip:
- Freight shipment
The Palestinian Authority will have full responsibility and powers in the Palestinian customs points (freight-area) for
the implementation of the agreed upon customs and importation policy as specified in this protocol, including the
inspection and the collection of taxes and other charges, when due.
Israeli customs officials will be present and will receive from the Palestinian customs officials a copy of the
necessary relevant documents related to the specific shipment and will be entitled to ask for inspection in their
presence of both goods and tax collection.
The Palestinian customs officials will be responsible for the handling of the customs procedure including the inspection
and collection of due taxes.
In case of disagreement on the clearance of any shipment according to this Article, the shipment will be delayed for
inspection for a maximum period of 48 hours during which a joint sub-committee will resolve the issue on the basis of
the relevant provisions of this Article. The shipment will be released only upon the sub-committee's decision.
- Passengers customs lane
Each side will administer its own passengers customs procedures, including inspection and tax collection. The
inspection and collection of taxes due in the Palestinian customs lane will be conducted by customs officials of the
Palestinian Authority.
Israeli customs officials will be invisibly present in the Palestinian customs lane and entitled to request inspection
of goods and collection of taxes when due. In the case of suspicion, the inspection will be carried out by the
Palestinian official in a separate room in the presence of the Israeli customs official.
- The clearance of revenues from all import taxes and levies, between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, will be
based on the principle of the place of final destination. In addition, these tax revenues will be allocated to the
Palestinian Authority even if the importation was carried out by Israeli importers when the final destination explicitly
stated in the import documentation is a corporation registered by the Palestinian Authority and conducting business
activity in the Areas. This revenue clearance will be effected within six working days from the day of collection of the
said taxes and levies.
- The Joint Economic Committee or a sub-committee established by it for the purposes of this Article will deal inter
alia with the following:
- Palestinian proposals for addition of items to Lists Al, A2 and B. Proposals for changes in rates and in import
procedures, classification, standards and licensing requirements for all other imports;
- Estimate the Palestinian market needs, as mentioned in para 3 above;
- Receive notifications of changes and conduct consultations, as mentioned in para 6 above;
- Agree upon the rules of origin as mentioned in para 8 above, and review their implementation;
- Coordinate the exchange of information relevant to licensing matters as mentioned in para 9 above;
- Discuss and review any other matters concerning the implementation of this Article and resolve problems arising
therefrom.
- The Palestinian Authority will have the right to exempt the Palestinian returnees who will be granted permanent
residency in the Areas from import taxes on personal belongings including house appliances and passenger cars as long as
they are for personal use.
- The Palestinian Authority will develop its system for temporary entry of needed machines and vehicles used for the
Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian economic development plan.
Concerning other machines and equipment, not included in Lists Al, A2 and B, the temporary entry will be part of the
import policy as agreed in para 10 above, until the joint sub-committee mentioned in para 16 decides upon a new system
proposed by the Palestinian Authority. The temporary entry will be coordinated through the joint sub-committee.
- Donations in kind to the Palestinian Authority will be exempted from customs and other import taxes if destined and
used for defined development projects or non-commercial humanitarian purposes. The Palestinian Authority will be
responsible exclusively for planning and management of the donors' assistance to the Palestinian people. The Joint
Economic Committee will discuss issues pertaining to the relations between the provisions in this Article and the
implementation of the principles in the above paragraph.
Article IV
MONETARY AND FINANCIAL ISSUES
- The Palestinian Authority will establish a Monetary Authority (PMA) in the Areas. The PMA will have the powers and
responsibilities for the regulation and implementation of the monetary policies within the functions described in this
Article.
- The PMA will act as the Palestinian Authority's official economic and financial advisor.
- The PMA will act as the Palestinian Authority's and the public sector entities' sole financial agent, locally and
internationally.
- The foreign currency reserves (including gold) of the Palestinian Authority and all Palestinian public sector
entities will be deposited solely with the PMA and managed by it.
- The PMA will act as the lender of last resort for the banking system in the Areas.
- The PMA will authorize foreign exchange dealers in the Areas and will exercise control (regulation and supervision)
over foreign exchange transactions within the Areas and with the rest of the world.
- The PMA will have a banking supervision department that will be responsible for the proper functioning, stability,
solvency and liquidity of the banks operating in the Areas.
- The banking supervision department will predicate its supervision on the international principles and standards
reflected in international conventions and especially on the principles of the "Basle Committee".
- The supervision department will be charged with the general supervision of every such bank, including:
- The regulation of all kinds of banking activities, including their foreign activities;
- The licensing of banks formed locally and of branches, subsidiaries, joint ventures and representative offices of
foreign banks and the approval of controlling shareholders;
- The supervision and inspection of banks.
- The PMA will relicense each of the five branches of the Israeli banks operating at present in the Gaza Strip and the
West Bank, as soon as its location or the authorities regarding it come under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian
Authority. These branches will be required to comply with the general rules and regulations of the PMA concerning
foreign banks, based on the "Basle Concordat". Para I0 d, e, and f below will apply to these branches.
- Any other Israeli bank wishing to open a branch or a subsidiary in the Areas will apply for a license to the PMA and
will be treated equally to other foreign banks, provided that the same will apply to the Palestinian banks wishing to
open a branch or a subsidiary in Israel.
- Granting of a license by both authorities will be subject to the following arrangements based on the "Basle
Concordat" valid on the date of signing of the Agreement and to the host authority's prevailing general rules and
regulations concerning opening of branches and subsidiaries of foreign banks.
In this para 10 "host authority" and "home authority" apply only to the Bank of Israel (BOI) and the PMA.
- A bank wishing to open a branch or establish a subsidiary will apply to the host authority, having first obtained
the approval of its home authority. The host authority will notify the home authority of the terms of the license, and
will give its final approval unless the home authority objects.
- The home authority will be responsible for the consolidated and comprehensive supervision of banks, inclusive of
branches and subsidiaries in the area under the jurisdiction of the host authority. However, the distribution of
supervision responsibilities between the home and the host authorities concerning subsidiaries will be according to the
"Basle Concordat".
- The host authority will regularly examine the activities of branches and subsidiaries in the area under its
jurisdiction. The home authority will have the right to conduct on site examinations in the branches and subsidiaries in
the host area. However, the supervision responsibilities of the home authority concerning subsidiaries will be according
to the "Basle Concordat".
Accordingly, each authority will transfer to the other authority copies of its examination reports and any information
relevant to the solvency, stability and soundness of the banks, their branches and subsidiaries.
- The BOI and the PMA will establish a mechanism for cooperation and for the exchange of information on issues of
mutual interest.
- The New Israeli Sheqel (NIS) will be one of the circulating currencies in the Areas and will legally serve there as
means of payment for all purposes including official transactions. Any circulating currency, including the NIS, will be
accepted by the Palestinian Authority and by all its institutions, local authorities and banks, when offered as a means
of payment for any transaction.
- Both sides will continue to discuss, through the JEC, the possibility of introducing mutually agreed Palestinian
currency or temporary alternative currency arrangements for the Palestinian Authority.
- The liquidity requirements on all deposits in banks operating in the Areas will be determined and announced by the
PMA.
- Banks in the Areas will accept NIS deposits. The liquidity requirements on the various kinds of NIS deposits (or
deposit linked to the NIS) in banks operating in the Areas will not be less than 4% to 8%, according to the type of
deposits. Changes of over 1% in the liquidity requirements on NIS deposits (or deposits linked to the NIS) in Israel
will call for corresponding changes in the above mentioned rates.
- The supervision and inspection of the implementation of all liquidity requirements will be carried out by the PMA.
- The reserves and the liquid assets required according to this paragraph will be deposited at the PMA according to
rules and regulations determined by it. Penalties for non compliance with the liquidity requirements will be determined
by the PMA.
- The PMA will regulate and administer a discount window system and the supply of temporary finance for banks
operating in the Areas.
- The PMA will establish or license a clearing house in order to clear money orders between the banks operating in the
Areas, and with other clearing houses.
- The clearing of money orders and transactions between banks operating in the Areas and banks operating in Israel
will be done between the Israeli and the Palestinian clearing houses on same working day basis, according to agreed
arrangements.
- Both sides will allow correspondential relations between each others' banks.
- The PMA will have the right to convert at the BOI excess NIS received from banks operating in the Areas into foreign
currency, in which the BOI trades in the domestic inter-bank market, up to the amounts determined per period, according
to the arrangements detailed in para 16 below.
- The excess amount of NIS, due to balance of payments flows, that the PMA will have the right to convert into foreign
currency, will be equal to:
- Estimates of all Israeli "imports" of goods and services from the Areas, valued at market prices (inclusive of
taxes), which were paid for in NIS, less:
- the taxes collected by the Palestinian Authority on all Israeli "imports" from the Areas and rebated to Israel in
NIS, and
- the taxes collected by Israel on all Israeli "imports" from the Areas and included in their market value, and not
rebated to the Palestinian Authority,
minus
- Estimates of all Israeli "exports" of goods and services to the Areas, valued at market prices (inclusive of taxes),
which were paid for in NIS, less
- the taxes collected by Israel on such "exports" and rebated to the Palestinian Authority, and
- the taxes collected by the Palestinian Authority on such "exports" and included in their market value, and not
rebated to Israel;
plus
- The accumulated net amounts of foreign currency converted previously into NIS by the PMA, as recorded in the BOI
Dealing Room.
- The said flows and amounts will be calculated as of the date of the signing of the Agreement.
Notes to para 16:
- The estimates of the said "exports and imports" of goods and services will include inter alia labor services, NIS
expenditure of tourists and Israelis in the Areas and NIS expenditure of Palestinians of the Areas in Israel.
- Taxes and pension contributions on "imports" of labor services, paid to "importing" side and rebated to the
"exporting" one, will not be included in the estimates of the sums to be converted, as the "exports'" earnings of labor
services are recorded in the statistics inclusive of them, although they do not accrue to the individuals supplying
them.
- The PMA and the BOI will meet annually to discuss and determine the annual amount of convertible NIS during the
following calendar year and will meet semi-annually to adjust the said amount. The amounts determined annually and
adjusted semi-annually will be based on data and estimates regarding the past and on forecasts for the wi following
period, according to the formula mentioned in para 16. The first meeting will be as soon as possible within three months
after the date of the signing of the Agreement.
- The exchange of foreign currency for NIS and vice-versa by the PMA will be carried out through the BOI Dealing Room,
at the market exchange rates.
- The BOI will not be obliged to convert in any single month more than 1/5 of the semi-annual amount, as mentioned in
para 17.
- There will be no ceiling on the annual foreign currency conversions by the PMA into NIS. However, in order to avoid
undesirable fluctuations in the foreign exchange market, monthly ceilings of such conversions will be agreed upon in the
annual and semi-annual meetings referred to in para 17.
- Banks in the Areas will convert NIS into other circulating currencies and vice-versa.
- The Palestinian Authority will have the authorities, powers and responsibilities regarding the regulation and
supervision of capital activities in the Areas, including the licensing of capital market institutions, finance
companies and investment funds.
Article V
DIRECT TAXATION
- Israel and the Palestinian Authority will each determine and regulate independently its own tax policy in matters of
direct taxation, including income tax on individuals and corporations, property taxes, municipal taxes and fees.
- Each tax administration will have the right to levy the direct taxes generated by economic activities within its
area.
- Each tax administration may impose additional taxes on residents within its area on (individuals and corporations)
who conduct economic activities in the other side's area.
- Israel will transfer to the Palestinian Authority a sum equal to:
- 75% of the income taxes collected from Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area employed in Israel.
- The full amount of income taxes collected from Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and Jericho Area employed in the
settlements.
- The two sides will agree on a set of procedures that will address all issues concerning double taxation.
Article VI
INDIRECT TAXES ON LOCAL PRODUCTION
- The Israel and the Palestinian tax administrations will levy and collect VAT and purchase taxes on local production,
as well as any other indirect taxes, in their respective areas.
- The purchase tax rates within the jurisdiction of each tax administration will be identical as regards locally
produced and imported goods.
- The present Israeli VAT rate is 17%. The Palestinian VAT rate will be 15% to 16%.
- The Palestinian Authority will decide on the maximum annual turnover for businesses under its jurisdiction to be
exempt from VAT, within an upper limit of 12,000 US $.
- The VAT on purchases by businesses registered for VAT purposes will accrue to the tax administration with which the
respective business is registered.
Businesses will register for VAT purposes with the tax administration of the side of their residence, or on the side of
their ongoing operation.
There will be clearance of VAT revenues between the Israeli and Palestinian VAT administrations on the following
conditions:
- The VAT clearance will apply to VAT on transactions between businesses registered with the VAT administration of the
side in which they reside.
- The following procedures will apply to clearance of VAT revenues accruing from transactions by businesses registered
for VAT purposes:
- To be acceptable for clearance purposes, special invoices, clearly marked for this purpose, will be used for
transactions between businesses registered with the different sides.
- The invoices will be worded either in both Hebrew and Arabic or in English and will be filled out in any of these
three languages, provided that the figures are written in "Arabic" (not Hindi) numerals.
- For the purpose of tax rebates, such invoices will be valid for six months from their date of issue.
- Representatives of the two sides will meet once a month, on the 20th day of the month, to present each other with a
list of invoices submitted to them for tax rebate, for VAT clearance. This list will include the following details
regarding each invoice:
- The number of the registered business issuing it;
- The name of the registered business issuing it;
- The number of the invoice;
- The date of issue;
- The amount of the invoice;
- The name of the recipient of the invoice.
- The clearance claims will be settled within 6 days from the meeting, through a payment by the side with the net
balance of claims against it, to the other side.
- Each side will provide the other side, upon demand, with invoices for verification purposes. Each tax administration
will be responsible for providing invoices for verification purposes for 6 months after receiving them.
- Each side will take the necessary measure to verify the authenticity of the invoices presented to it for clearance
by the other side.
- Claims for VAT clearance which will not be found valid will be deducted from the next clearance payment.
- Once an inter-connected computer system for tax rebates to businesses and for VAT clearance between the two sides is
operational, it will replace the clearance procedures specified in sub-paras (4) - (8).
- The two tax administrations will exchange lists of the businesses registered with them and will provide each other
with the necessary documentation, if required, for the verification of transactions.
- The two sides will establish a sub-committee which will deal with the implementation arrangements regarding the
clearance of VAT revenues set above.
- VAT paid by not-for-profit Palestinian organizations and institutions, registered by the Palestinian Authority, on
transactions in Israel, will accrue to the Palestinian tax administration. The clearance system set out in para 5 will
apply to these organizations and institutions.
Article VII
LABOR
- Both sides will attempt to maintain the normality of movement of labor between them, subject to each side's right to
determine from time to time the extent and conditions of the labor movement into its area. If the normal movement is
suspended temporarily by either side, it will give the other side immediate notification, and the other side may request
that the matter be discussed in the Joint Economic Committee.
The placement and employment of workers from one side in the area of the other side will be through the employment
service of the other side and in accordance with the other sides' legislation. The Palestinian side has the right to
regulate the employment of Palestinian labor in Israel through the Palestinian employment service, and the Israeli
Employment Service will cooperate and coordinate in this regard.
- Palestinians employed in Israel will be insured in the Israeli social insurance system according to the National
Insurance Law for employment injuries that occur in Israel, bankruptcy of employers and maternity leave allowance.
- The National Insurance fees deducted from the wages for maternity insurance will be reduced according to the reduced
scope of maternity insurance, and the equalization deductions transferred to the Palestinian Authority, if levied, will
be increased accordingly.
- Implementation procedures relating thereto will be agreed upon between the Israeli National Insurance Institute and
the Palestinian Authority or the appropriate Palestinian social insurance institution.
- Israel will transfer to the Palestinian Authority, on a monthly basis, the equalization deductions as defined by
Israeli legislation, if imposed and to the extent levied by Israel. The sums so transferred will be used for social
benefits and health services, decided upon by the Palestinian Authority, for Palestinians employed in Israel and for
their families.
The equalization deductions to be so transferred will be those collected after the date of the signing of the Agreement
from wages of Palestinians employed in Israel and from their employers.
These sums will not include
- Payments for health services in places of employment.
- 2/3 of the actual administrative costs in handling the matters related to the Palestinians employed in Israel by the
Payments Section of the Israeli Employment Service.
- Israel will transfer, on a monthly basis, to a relevant pension insurance institution to be established by the
Palestinian Authority, pension insurance deductions collected after the establishment of the above institution and the
completion of the documents mentioned in para 6.
These deductions will be collected from wages of Palestinians employed in Israel and their employers, according to the
relevant rates set out in the applicable Israeli collective agreements. 2/3 of the actual administrative costs in
handling these deductions by the Israeli Employment Service will be deducted from the sums transferred. The sums so
transferred will be used for providing pension insurance for these workers. Israel will continue to be liable for
pension rights of the Palestinian employees in Israel, to the extent accumulated by Israel before the entry into force
of this para 4.
- Upon the receipt of the deductions, the Palestinian Authority and its relevant social institutions will assume full
responsibility in accordance with the Palestinian legislation and arrangements, for pension rights and other social
benefits of Palestinians employed in Israel, that accrue from the transferred deductions related to these rights and
benefits. Consequently, Israel and its relevant social institutions and the Israeli employers will be released from, and
will not be held liable for any obligations and responsibilities concerning personal claims, rights and benefits arising
from these transferred deductions, or from the provisions of paras 2-4 above.
- Prior to the said transfers, the Palestinian Authority or its relevant institutions, as the case may be, will
provide Israel with the documents required to give legal effect to their aforesaid obligations, including mutually
agreed implementation procedures of the principles agreed upon in paras 3-5 above.
- The above arrangements concerning equalization deductions and/or pension deductions may be reviewed and changed by
Israel if an authorized court in Israel will determine that the deductions or any part thereof must be paid to
individuals, or used for individual social benefits or insurance in Israel, or that it is otherwise unlawful. In such a
case the liability of the Palestinian side will not exceed the actual transferred deductions related to the case.
- Israel will respect any agreement reached between the Palestinian Authority, or an organization or trade-union
representing the Palestinians employed in Israel, and a representative organization of employees or employers in Israel,
concerning contributions to such organization according to any collective agreement.
- The Palestinian Authority may integrate the existing health insurance scheme for Palestinians employed in Israel and
their families in its health insurance services. As long as this scheme continues, whether integrated or separately,
Israel will deduct from their wages the health insurance fees ("health stamp") and will transfer them to the Palestinian
Authority for this purpose.
- The Palestinian Authority may integrate the existing health insurance scheme for Palestinians who were employed in
Israel and are receiving pension payments through the Israeli Employment Service, in its health insurance services. As
long as this scheme continues, whether integrated or separately, Israel will deduct the necessary sum of health
insurance fees ("health stamp") from the equalization payments and will transfer them to the Palestinian Authority for
this purpose.
- The JEC will meet upon the request of either side and review the implementation of this Article and other issues
concerning labor, social insurance and social rights.
- Other deductions not mentioned above, if any, will be jointly reviewed by the JEC. Any agreement between the two
sides concerning these deductions will be in addition to the above provisions.
- Palestinians employed in Israel will have the right to bring disputes arising out of employee - employer
relationships and other issues before the Israeli Labor Courts, within these courts' jurisdiction.
- This Article governs the future labor relations between the two sides and will not impair any labor rights prior to
the date of signing of the Agreement.
Article VIII
AGRICULTURE
- There will be free movement of agricultural produce, free of customs and import taxes, between the two sides,
subject to the following exceptions and arrangements.
- The official veterinary and plant protection services of each side will be responsible, within the limits of their
respective jurisdiction, for controlling animal health, animal products and biological products, and plants and parts
thereof, as well as their importation and exportation.
- The relations between the official veterinary and plant protection services of both sides will be based on mutuality
in accordance with the following principles, which will be applied in all the areas under their respective jurisdiction:
- Israel and the Palestinian Authority will do their utmost to preserve and improve the veterinary standards.
- Israel and the Palestinian Authority will take all measures to reach equivalent and compatible standards regarding
animal disease control, including mass vaccination of animals and avians, quarantines, "stamping out" measures and
residue control standards.
- Mutual arrangements will be made to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases, for their
eradication and concerning residue control standards in plant products.
- The official veterinary and plant protection services of Israel and the Palestinian Authority will coordinate and
regularly exchange information regarding animal diseases, as well as plant pests and diseases, and will establish a
mechanism for immediate notification of the outbreak of such diseases.
- Trade between the two sides in animals, animal products and biological products will be in keeping with the
principles and definitions set out in the current edition of the OIE National Animal Health Code as updated from time to
time (hereinafter - I.A.H.C.).
- Transit of livestock, animal products and biological products from one side through the area under the jurisdiction
of the other side, should be conducted in a manner aimed at the prevention of diseases spreading to or from the
consignment during its movement. For such a transit to be permitted, it is a prerequisite that the veterinary conditions
agreed upon by both sides will be met in regard to importation of animals, their products and biological products from
external markets. Therefore the parties agree to the following arrangements.
- The official veterinary services of each side have the authority to issue veterinary import permits for import of
animals, animal products and biological products to the areas under its jurisdiction. In order to prevent the
introduction of animal diseases from third parties, the following procedures will be adopted:
- The import permits will strictly follow the professional veterinary conditions for similar imports to Israel as
prevailing at the time of their issuance. The permits will specify the country of origin and the required conditions to
be included in the official veterinary certificates which should be issued by the veterinary authorities in the
countries of origin and which should accompany each consignment.
Each side may propose a change in these conditions. The change will come into force 10 days after notice to the other
side, unless the other side requested that the matter be brought before the Veterinary Sub-Committee specified in para
14 (hereinafter - VSC). If it is more stringent than the prevailing conditions - it will come into force 20 days after
the request, unless both sides decide otherwise through the VSC, and if more lenient - it will come into force only if
agreed upon by both sides through the VSC. However, if the change is urgent and needed for the protection of animal and
public health, it will come into force immediately after notice by the other side and will remain in force unless and
until both sides agree otherwise through the VSC.
- The official veterinary certificates will include the provisions regarding OIE Lists A & B Diseases as specified in
the I.A.H.C. When the I.A.H.C. allows alternative requirements regarding the same disease, the most stringent one will
be adopted unless otherwise agreed upon by the VSC.
- When infectious diseases which are not included in Lists A & B of the I.A.H.C. exist or are suspected, on scientific
grounds, to exist in the exporting country, the necessary veterinary import conditions that will be required and
included in the official veterinary certificates, will be discussed in the VSC, and in the case of different
professional opinions, the most stringent ones will be adopted.
- The import of live vaccines will be permitted only if so decided by the VSC.
- Both sides will exchange, through the VSC, information pertaining to import licensing, including the evaluation of
the disease situation and zoosanitary capability of exporting countries, which will be based upon official information
as well as upon other available data.
- Consignments which do not conform with the above mentioned requirements will not be permitted to enter the areas
under the jurisdiction of either side.
- Transportation of livestock and poultry and of animal products and biological products between areas under the
jurisdiction of one side through areas under the jurisdiction of the other side, will be subject to the following
technical rules:
- The transportation will be by vehicles which will be sealed with a seal of the official veterinary services of the
place of origin and marked with a visible sign "Animal Transportation" or "Products of Animal Origin" in Arabic and
Hebrew, in coloured and clearly visible letters on white background;
- Each consignment will be accompanied by a veterinary certificate issued by the official veterinary services of the
place of origin, certifying that the animals or their products were examined and are free of infectious diseases and
originate from a place which is not under quarantine or under animal movement restrictions.
- Transportation of livestock and poultry, animal products and biological products destined for Israel from the Areas
and vice versa will be subject to veterinary permits issued by the official veterinary services of the recipient side,
in keeping with the OIE standards used in international traffic in this field. Each such consignment will be transported
by a suitable and marked vehicle, accompanied by a veterinary certificate in the form agreed upon between the official
veterinary services of both sides. Such certificates will be issued only if permits of the recipient side are presented.
- In order to prevent the introduction of plant pests and diseases to the region, the following procedures will be
adopted:
- The transportation between the Areas and Israel, of plants and parts thereof (including fruits and vegetables), the
control of pesticide residues in them and the transportation of plant propagation material and of animal feed, may be
inspected without delay or damage by the plant protection services of the recipient side.
- The transportation between the Areas through Israel of plants and parts thereof (including fruits and vegetables) as
well as of pesticides, may be required to pass a phytosanitary inspection without delay or damage.
- The official Palestinian plant protection services have the authority to issue permits for the import of plants and
parts thereof as well as of pesticides from external markets. The permits will be based on the prevailing standards and
requirements.
The permits will specify the required conditions to be included in the official Phytosanitary Certificates (hence P.C.)
based upon the standards and the requirements of the International Plant Protection Convention (I.P.P.C.)and those of
the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (E.P.P.O.) which should accompany each consignment. The
P.C.'s will be issued by the plant protection services in the countries of origin. Dubious or controversial cases will
be brought before the sub-committee on plant protection.
- The agricultural produce of both sides will have free and unrestricted access to each others' markets, with the
temporary exception of sales from one side to the other side of the following items only: poultry, eggs, potatoes,
cucumbers, tomatoes and melons. The temporary restrictions on these items will be gradually removed on an increasing
scale until they are finally eliminated by 1998, as listed below:
|
Year |
Poultry |
Eggs |
Potatoes |
Cucumbers |
Tomatoes |
Melons |
|
(In tons) |
(In millions) |
(In tons) |
(In tons) |
(In tons) |
(In tons) |
1994 |
5,000 |
30 |
10,000 |
10,000 |
13,000 |
10,000 |
1995 |
6,000 |
40 |
13,000 |
13,000 |
16,000 |
13,000 |
1996 |
7,000 |
50 |
15,000 |
15,000 |
19,000 |
15,000 |
1997 |
8,000 |
60 |
17,000 |
17,000 |
22,000 |
17,000 |
1998 |
unlimited |
unlimited |
unlimited |
unlimited |
unlimited |
unlimited |
Note: The above figures refer to the combined quantities marketed from the West Bank and Gaza Strip to Israel and
vice-versa. The Palestinian Authority will notify Israel the apportioning of these quantities between these areas
concerning the quantities pertaining to the Palestinian produce.
- The Palestinians will have the right to export their agricultural produce to external markets without restrictions,
on the basis of certificates of origin issued by the Palestinian Authority.
- Without prejudice to obligations arising out of existing international agreements, the two sides will refrain from
importing agricultural products from third parties which may adversely affect the interests of each other's farmers.
- Each side will take the necessary measures in the area under its jurisdiction to prevent damage which may be caused
by its agriculture to the environment of the other side.
- The two sides will establish sub-committees of their respective official veterinary and plant protection services,
which will update the information and review issues, policies and procedures in these fields. Any changes in the
provisions of this Article will be agreed upon by both sides.
- The two sides will establish a sub-committee of experts in the dairy sector in order to exchange information,
discuss and coordinate their production in this sector so as to protect the interests of both sides. In principle, each
side will produce according to its domestic consumption.
Article IX
INDUSTRY
- There will be free movement of industrial goods free of any restrictions including customs and import taxes between
the two sides, subject to each side's legislation.
- The Palestinian side has the right to employ various methods in encouraging and promoting the development of the
Palestinian industry by way of providing grants, loans, research and development assistance and direct-tax benefits. The
Palestinian side has also the right to employ other methods of encouraging industry resorted to in Israel.
- Both sides will exchange information about the methods employed by them in the encouragement of their respective
industries.
- Indirect tax rebates or benefits and other subsidies to sales shall not be allowed in trade between the two sides.
- Each side will do its best to avoid damage to the industry of the other side and will take into consideration the
concerns of the other side in its industrial policy.
- Both sides will cooperate in the prevention of deceptive practices, trade in goods which may endanger health, safety
and the environment and in goods of expired validity.
- Each side will take the necessary measures in the area under its jurisdiction to prevent damage which may be caused
by its industry to the environment of the other side.
- The Palestinians will have the right to export their industrial produce to external markets without restrictions, on
the basis of certificates of origin issued by the Palestinian Authority.
- The JEC will meet and review issues pertaining to this Article.
Article X
TOURISM
- The Palestinian Authority will establish a Palestinian Tourism Authority which will exercise, inter alia, the
following powers in the Areas.
- Regulating, licensing, classifying and supervising tourist services, sites and industries.
- Promoting foreign and domestic tourism and developing the Palestinian tourist resources and sites.
- Supervising the marketing, promotion and information activities related to foreign and domestic tourism.
- Each side shall, under its respective jurisdiction, protect, guard and ensure the maintenance and good upkeep of
historical, archaeological, cultural and religious sites and all other tourist sites, to fit their status as well as
their purpose as a destination for visitors.
- Each side will determine reasonable visiting hours and days for all tourist sites in order to facilitate visits at a
wide variety of days and hours, taking into consideration religious and national holidays. Each side shall publicize
such opening times. Meaningful changes in the opening times will take into consideration tourist programs already
committed to.
- Tourist buses or any other form of tourist transport authorized by either side, and operated by companies registered
and licensed by it, will be allowed to enter and proceed on their tour within the area under the jurisdiction of the
other side, provided that such buses or other vehicles conform with the EEC technical specifications [I. currently
adopted.] All such vehicles will be clearly marked as tourist vehicles.
- Each side will protect the environment and the ecology around the tourist sites under its jurisdiction. In view of
the importance of beaches and maritime activities for tourism, each side will do its best efforts to ensure that
development and construction on the Mediterranean coast, and especially at ports (such as Ashqelon or Gaza), will be
planned and carried out in a manner that will not adversely affect the ecology, environment or the functions of the
coastline and beaches of the other side.
- Tourism companies and agencies licensed by either side shall enjoy equal access to tourism - related facilities and
amenities in border points of exit and entry according to the regulations of the authority operating them.
- Each side will license, according to its own rules and regulations, travel agents, tour companies, tour guides and
other tourism businesses (hereinafter - tourism entities) within its jurisdiction.
- Tourism entities authorized by either side, will be allowed to conduct tours that include the area under the
jurisdiction of the other side, provided that their authorization as well as their operation will be in accordance with
rules, professional requirements and standards agreed upon by both sides in the sub-committee mentioned in para 9.
Pending that agreement, existing tourism entities in the Areas which are currently allowed to conduct tours that include
Israel, will be allowed to continue to do so, and Israeli authorized tourism entities will continue to be allowed to
conduct tours that include the Areas.
In addition, any tourism entity of one side that the tourism authorities of the other side will certify as fulfilling
all its rules, professional requirements and standards, will be allowed to conduct tours that include that other side.
- Each side will make its own arrangement for compensation of tourists for bodily injury and property damages caused
by political violence in the areas under its respective jurisdiction.
- The JEC or a tourism sub-committee established by it shall meet upon the request of either side in order to discuss
the implementation of the provisions of this Article and resolve problems that may arise. The sub-committee will also
discuss and consider tourist issues of benefit to both sides, and will promote educational programs for tourism entities
of both sides in order to further their professional standards and their ethics. Complaints of one side against the
behaviour of tourism entities of the other side will be channelled through the committee.
Note: It is agreed that the final wording in the last sentence in para 4 will be adopted according to the final
wording in the relevant provisions of the Agreement.
Article XI
INSURANCE ISSUES
- The authorities, powers and responsibilities in the insurance sphere in the Areas, including inter alia the
licensing of insurers, insurance agents and the supervision of their activities, will be transferred to the Palestinian
Authority.
- The Palestinian Authority will maintain a compulsory absolute liability system for road accident victims with a
ceiling on the amount of compensation based upon the following principles:
- Absolute liability for death or bodily injury to road accident victims, it being immaterial whether or not there was
fault on the part of the driver and whether or not there was fault or contributory fault on the part of others, each
driver being responsible for persons travelling in his vehicle and for pedestrians hit by his vehicle.
- Compulsory insurance for all motor vehicles, covering death or bodily injury to all road accident victims, including
drivers.
- No cause of action in tort for death or bodily injury resulting from road accidents.
- The maintenance of a statutory fund (hereinafter - the Fund) for compensation of road accident victims who are
unable to claim compensation from an insurer for the following reasons:
- the driver liable for compensation is unknown;
- the driver is not insured or his insurance does not cover the liability involved; or
- the insurer is unable to meet his liabilities.
- Terms in this Article will have the same meaning as in the legislation prevailing at the date of signing of the
Agreement concerning compulsory motor vehicle insurance and compensation of road accident victims.
- Any change by either side in the rules and regulations regarding the implementation of the above mentioned
principles will require prior notice to the other side. A change which might substantially affect the other side will
require prior notice of at least three months.
- Upon the signing of the Agreement the Palestinian Authority will establish a Fund for the Areas (hereinafter - the
Palestinian Fund) for the purposes detailed in para 2(a)(4) above and for the purposes detailed below. The Palestinian
Fund will assume the responsibilities of the statutory Road Accident Victims Compensation Fund in the West Bank and the
Gaza Strip (hereinafter - the Existing Fund) regarding the Areas, according to the prevailing law at that time.
Accordingly, the Existing Fund will cease to be responsible for any liability regarding accidents occurring in the Areas
from the date of signing of the Agreement.
- The Existing Fund will transfer to the Palestinian Fund, after the assumption of the above mentioned
responsibilities by it, the premiums paid to the Existing Fund by the insurers for vehicles registered in the Areas,
pro-rata to the unexpired period of each insurance policy.
- Compulsory motor vehicle insurance policies issued by insurers licensed by either side will be valid in the
territories of both sides. Accordingly, a vehicle registered in one side covered by such a policy will not be required
to have an additional insurance coverage for travel in the areas under the other side's jurisdiction. These insurance
policies will cover all the liabilities according to the legislation of the place of the accident.
- In order to cover part of the liabilities which may incur due to road accidents in Israel by uninsured vehicles
registered in the Palestinian Authority, the Palestinian Fund will transfer to the Israeli Fund, on a monthly basis, for
each insured vehicle, an amount equal to 30% of the amount paid to the Israeli Fund by an insurer registered in Israel,
for the sat-ne type of vehicle, for the same period of insurance (which will not be less than 90 days).
- In cases where a victim of a road accident wishes to claim compensation from an insurer registered by the other side
or from the Fund of the other side or in cases where a driver or an owner of a car is sued by a victim, by an insurer or
by the Fund of the other side, he may nominate the Fund of his side as his proxy for this purpose. The Fund so nominated
may address any relevant party from the other side directly or through the other sides' Fund.
- In the case of a road accident in which neither the registration number of the vehicle nor the identity of the
driver are known, the Fund of the side which has jurisdiction over the place of the accident will compensate the victim,
according to its own legislation.
- The Fund of each side will be responsible towards the victims of the other side for any liability of the insurers of
its side regarding the compulsory insurance and will guarantee their liabilities.
- Each side will guarantee its Fund's liabilities according to this Article.
- The two sides will negotiate within three months from the date of the signing of the Agreement a cut-off agreement
between the Existing Fund and the Palestinian Fund concerning accidents which occurred in the Areas prior to the date of
the signing of the Agreement, whether claims have been reported or not. The cut-off agreement will not include
compensation for Israeli victims involved in accidents which occurred in the Areas prior to the date of the signing of
the Agreement.
- The two sides will establish immediately upon the signing of the Agreement, a sub-committee of experts (hereinafter
- the Sub-Committee) which will deal with issues regarding the implementation of this Article, including:
- Procedures concerning the handling of claims of victims of the one side from insurers or from the Fund of the other
side;
- Procedures concerning the transfer of the amounts between the Funds of both sides as mentioned in para 4(b) above;
- The details of the cut-off agreement between the Existing Fund and the Palestinian Fund, as set out in para 9 above;
- Any other relevant issue raised by either side.
- The Sub-Committee will act as a continuous committee for issues regarding this Article.
- The two sides will exchange, through the Sub-Committee, the relevant information regarding the implementation of
this Article, including police reports, medical information, relevant statistics, premiums, etc. The two sides will
provide each other with any other assistance required in this regard.
- Each side may require the re-examination of the arrangements set out in this Article a year after the date of the
signing of the Agreement.
- Insurers from both sides may apply for a license to the relevant authorities of the other side, according to the
rules and regulations regarding foreign insurers in the latter side. The two sides agree not to discriminate against
such applicants.
Done in Paris, this twenty ninth day of April, 1994 For the Government of Israel
Finance Minister Avraham Shohat For the PLO Abu Ala (Ahmed Korei)
SUPPLEMENT TO THE PROTOCOL ON ECONOMIC RELATIONS
- The clearance of revenues from all import taxes and levies and from excise on fuel products between Israel and the
Council, according to this Agreement, will come into full force on the date of completion of the first phase of the
redeployment of the Israeli military forces prior to the elections, i.e., 22 days before the day of elections
(hereinafter "the said date"). However, in view of the special needs of the Palestinian Authority and in order to assist
it in covering current expenses, Israel has agreed to transfer to the Palestinian Authority:
- One month after the signing of this Agreement - 50% of the revenues collected during this month from import taxes on
goods, the final destination of which is the West Bank, and from excise on petroleum purchased by the Palestinian side
for the West Bank.
- Two months after the signing of this Agreement - 50% of the revenues collected during the previous month from import
taxes and petroleum excise as aforesaid.
- On the said date - 100% of the revenues collected during the period since the previous payment according to
subparagraph b. above, from import taxes and petroleum excise as aforesaid.
- In addition, on the said date Israel will transfer to the Palestinian Authority 15 million NIS as an advance payment
in respect of the remaining surplus of the Civil Administration,s budget as mentioned in paragraph 2 of Article 39
(Treasury) of Annex III.
- Israel will transfer immediately 12 million NIS to cover the recurrent costs of the eight spheres transferred to the
Palestinian Authority starting from September 1, 1995.
- For the purposes of the implementation of the Protocol on Economic Relations, Israel will deduct 3% from each
transfer to the Palestinian side of import taxes and other indirect taxes, in order to cover Israel,s administrative
costs in collecting these taxes and in handling matters related to them.
- The two sides will continue discussion through the Joint Economic Committee on the procedures for the set-off of
financial obligations between the two sides, including legal entities under their control or management.
- Cigarettes, alcohol, iron and cement will be added to list A2 attached to the Protocol on Economic Relations in
accordance with subparagraphs 2.a.(2) and 2.b of Article III of the Protocol, in quantities according to the Palestinian
market needs, taking into account the quantities of these goods included in list A1.
However, with regard to these goods, the Israeli rates of customs, purchase tax, levies, excises and other charges,
prevailing at the date of signing of the Agreement, as changed from time to time, shall serve as the minimum basis for
the Council.
- The quantities of electrical equipment in lists A1 and A2 will be revised and increased by the JEC to cover all the
needs of the Palestinian market.
- Articles V (Direct Taxation) and VI (Indirect Taxes on Local Production) of the Protocol on Economic Relations shall
be replaced by the Articles attached as Appendices 1 and 2 to this Supplement.
APPENDIX 1 (Replacing Article V of the Protocol on Economic Relations)
ARTICLE V Direct Taxation
- Israel and the Palestinian side will each determine and regulate independently its own tax policy in matters of
direct taxation, including income tax on individuals and corporations, property taxes, municipal taxes and fees.
- Each tax administration will have the right to levy the direct taxes generated by economic activities within the
area under its tax responsibility.
- Each tax administration may impose additional taxes on its residents (individuals and corporations) who conduct
economic activities in areas under the tax responsibility of the other side.
- Israel will transfer to the Palestinian side a sum equal to:
- 75% of the income taxes collected from Palestinians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip employed in Israel.
- The full amount of the income taxes collected from Palestinians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip employed in
the Settlements.
- When a Palestinian remits payment to an Israeli the following rules regarding deduction at source shall apply:
- No tax shall be deducted at source on income from the sales of goods from the areas under Israeli tax
responsibility, which are not supplied by means of a permanent establishment in the areas under Palestinian tax
responsibility. Where income from the sales of goods is attributable to a permanent establishment in the areas under
Palestinian tax responsibility, tax may be deducted at source, but only on such income as is attributable to such
permanent establishment.
- No tax shall be deducted at source on income derived by an Israeli from transportation activities, if the point of
departure or the point of final destination is in the areas under Israeli tax responsibility.
- When an Israeli remits payment to a Palestinian which is income accruing in or deriving in the West Bank and the
Gaza Strip, the following rules regarding deduction at source shall apply:
- No tax shall be deducted at source on income from the sales of goods from the areas under Palestinian tax
responsibility which are not supplied by means of a permanent establishment in the areas under Israeli tax
responsibility. Where income from the sales of goods is attributable to a permanent establishment in the areas under
Israeli tax responsibility, tax may be deducted at source, but only on such income as is attributable to such permanent
establishment.
- No tax shall be deducted at source on income derived by a Palestinian from transportation activities, if the point
of departure or the point of final destination is in the areas under Palestinian tax responsibility.
- Non-deduction at source in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs 5 and 6 above, shall be carried out through
the use of certificates in the form set out in Schedule 1. Such certificates shall be issued on special paper in order
to assure that the certificates are authentic. The certificates will be worded in both Hebrew and Arabic and will be
filled out in the language of the other side or in English, and the figures will be written in "Arabic" (not Hindi)
numerals.
- In any case, where the appropriate certificate referred to in paragraph 7 has not been presented to the payer prior
to the payment of income referred to in paragraphs 5 and 6 above, tax will be deducted at source by the payer according
to the applicable law.
- With regard to income not referred to in paragraphs 5 and 6 above, tax may be imposed by the tax administration
responsible for the areas in which the income was accrued or derived.
- Each side will grant its residents a tax relief for income tax paid by them on income accrued in or derived in the
areas under the tax responsibility of the other side.
- Both sides agree that a special subcommittee will be established to finalize the arrangements and procedures
regarding taxation issues (including issues concerning double taxation).
APPENDIX 2 (Replacing Article VI of the Protocol on Economic Relations)
ARTICLE VI Indirect Taxes on Local Production
- The Israel and the Palestinian tax administrations will levy and collect VAT and purchase taxes on local production,
as well as any other indirect taxes, in their respective areas.
- The purchase tax rates within the jurisdiction of each tax administration will be identical as regards locally
produced and imported goods.
- While the prevailing concepts and principles of VAT will continue to be applied by both sides in a compatible way,
the Palestinian VAT rate shall not be lower than 2% below the Israeli VAT rate (the present Israeli VAT rate is 17%).
- The Palestinian side will decide on the maximum annual turnover for businesses under its jurisdiction to be exempt
from VAT, within an upper limit of 12,000 US $.
- Ongoing permanent businesses will register for VAT purposes with the VAT administration of the side exercising
responsibility in the place in which they are situated.
- When subparagraph a. does not apply, dealers will register for VAT purposes with the VAT administration of the side
of their residence, notwithstanding the place of their activity. A corporation will register for VAT purposes according
to the residency of the individual holding the majority of its shares which grant rights to distribution of profits.
- Special cases of dealers having ongoing operations in the other side without having a permanent place of business
there, will be dealt with by the joint committee established according to paragraph 11 below, upon a request of either
side.
- Each side will provide the other side, upon request, information concerning sales of specific dealers from one side
to specific dealers from the other side. Israel will provide the Palestinian tax administration assistance in collecting
information concerning the activities in Israel of Palestinian dealers registered for VAT purposes with the Palestinian
VAT administration having ongoing operations in Israel, and will enable Palestinian inspectors to follow their
activities in Israel, as necessary for tax enforcement purposes and allowed by law.
- The VAT on purchases by dealers registered for VAT purposes will accrue to the VAT administration with which the
dealer is registered.
- The principles set out in paragraphs 1-6 of this Article shall also apply to wage- and-profit tax on financial
institutions.
- There will be clearance of VAT revenues between the Israeli side and the Palestinian side according to the following
conditions:
- The VAT clearance will apply to VAT on transactions between dealers registered with different VAT administrations.
- The following procedures will apply to cleaance of VAT revenues accruing from transactions by dealers registered for
VAT purposes:
- For transactions between dealers registered with the different VAT administrations special invoices, clearly marked
for this purpose, must be used, and they will be accepted for clearance purposes.
- These invoices will be worded in both Hebrew and Arabic and will be filled out in any of these two languages or in
English, provided that the figures are written in "Arabic" (not Hindi) numerals and that the amounts filled out in the
invoice are stated also in NIS. The amount of VAT will be specified both numerically and in words.
- For the purposes of tax rebates, such invoices will be valid for six months from their date of issue.
- Representatives of the two sides will meet once a month, on the twenty-fifth day of the month, to present each other
with a list of invoices submitted to them for tax rebate, for VAT clearance. This list will include the following
details regarding each invoice:
- the number of the registered dealer issuing it;
- the name of the registered dealer issuing it;
- the number of the invoice;
- the date of issue;
- the amount of the invoice - with a separate reference to the amount of VAT; and
- the name and the registration number of the recipient of the invoice.
- The clearance claims will be settled within six days from the meeting, through a payment by the side with the net
balance of claims against it, to the other side.
- Each side will provide the other side, upon request, with invoices for verification purposes. Each tax
administration will be responsible for providing invoices for verification purposes for two years after receiving them.
- Each side will take the necessary measures to verify the authenticity of the invoices presented to it for clearance
by the other side.
- Claims for VAT clearance which will not be found valid will be deducted from the next clearance payment.
- Once an interconnected computer system for tax rebates to dealers and for VAT clearance between the two sides is
operational, it will replace the clearance procedures specified in subparagraph (4) above.
- The two tax administrations will exchange lists of the dealers registered with them and will provide each other with
the necessary documentation, if requested, for the verification of transactions.
- The joint subcommittee established under paragraph 11 will deal with the implementation of the provisions of this
paragraph.
- VAT paid on transactions made with dealers registered with the Israeli side by not-for-profit Palestinian
organizations and institutions, or by financial institutions, which are registered with the Palestinian side, or by the
Palestinian local authorities, or by the Palestinian side itself, will be remitted to the Palestinian side in accordance
with the clearance system set out in paragraph 8 above.
- VAT paid on transactions made with dealers registered with the Palestinian side by not-for-profit Israeli
organizations and institutions, or by financial institutions, which are registered with the Israeli side, or by the
Israeli local authorities, or by the Israeli side itself, will be remitted to the Israeli side in accordance with the
clearance system set out in paragraph 8 above.
- The two sides will establish a joint committee composed of representatives of both VAT administrations. This
committee will deal with all issues requiring coordination and cooperation with regard to this Article.
SCHEDULE 1Pursuant to Article V (Direct Taxation):
Serial No.__________ |
|
Certificate of Non-Deduction of Income Tax at Source
by the Palestinian Tax Administration |
|
To:_______________________________ |
(name of payer) |
|
1. We hereby certify that: |
|
|
_______________________________ |
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(name of recipient) |
|
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__________________________________ |
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I.D. Number and/or dealer number |
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____________________________ |
_______________________ |
|
home address |
business address |
|
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is entitled to receive the full amount of NIS _______________ for the sale of goods/ transportation
activities without deduction of tax at source. |
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2. This certification shall apply only to income accruing in or deriving in the West Bank or Gaza Strip,
and shall be valid from _________ (date) until __________ (date) and/or for invoice(s) No. _____. |
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3. This certification is valid only on presentation of the original certificate. |
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This certificate was issued by |
Date of issue |
___________________________ |
_____________________ |
Serial No.__________ |
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Certificate of Non-Deduction of Income Tax at Source
by the Israeli Tax Administration |
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To:_______________________________ |
(name of payer) |
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1. We hereby certify that: |
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_______________________________ |
|
(name of recipient) |
|
|
__________________________________ |
|
I.D. Number and/or dealer number |
|
|
____________________________ |
_______________________ |
|
home address |
business address |
|
|
is entitled to receive the full amount of NIS _______________ for the sale of goods/ transportation
activities without deduction of tax at source. |
|
2. This certification shall apply only to income accruing in or deriving in Israel, the Settlements and
military locations, and shall be valid from _________ (date) until __________ (date) and/or for invoice(s) No. _____. |
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3. This certification is valid only on presentation of the original certificate. |
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This certificate was issued by |
Date of issue |
___________________________ |
_____________________ |
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