Agreement on textiles and clothing

The basic aim of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) is to secure the removal of restrictions currently applied by some developed countries to imports of textiles and clothing. To this end the Agreement sets out procedures for integrating the trade in textiles and clothing fully into the GATT system by requiring countries to remove the restrictions in four stages over a period of 10 years ending on 1 January 2005. The flexibility available under the integration procedures has, however, enabled countries to remove restrictions in the first two stages only on a limited number of products. The first major impact of the integration programme is therefore expected when the third-stage integration takes place (on 1 January 2002); the bulk of the restrictions will be withdrawn in the last phase, when the transition period ends and the Agreement expires.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions