The UAE–Azerbaijan CEPA consists of 18 chapters and their annexes. It eliminates tariff barriers and enhances market access for trade in goods and services. The CEPA also places special emphasis on the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and seeks to strengthen economic cooperation across multiple sectors, with the aim of driving joint economic growth, diversification, and prosperity as part of the strategic relationship between the UAE and Azerbaijan.

Trade in Goods

The UAE–Azerbaijan CEPA provides for the tariff elimination or reduction on more than 95% of all qualifying goods made in Azerbaijan or in the UAE, including those from free zones. Trade in goods is also supported by clear rules on customs duties, import licensing and treatment of non-tariff barriers.

For detailed information on preferential tariff rates, please review the CEPA Market Access Dashboard below.

For goods to qualify for preferential tariff treatment, they must meet the Rules of Origin requirements that are flexible and seek to enhance two-way trade between the two Partners. CEPA supports the flow of goods in a simple, less costly, and timely manner through trade facilitation and customs cooperation arrangements.

The CEPA puts in place rules to ensure that product health and safety requirements are in line with international standards and do not become a barrier to trade.

CEPA reinforces the principle of fair trade by allowing for temporary relief against unfair trade or unforeseen surges in imports in accordance with the WTO agreements covering safeguards, subsidies, countervailing duties, and anti-dumping measures, as well as allowing for bilateral safeguard measures.

The CEPA unlocks new export opportunities by ensuring duty-free or preferential market access, transparency in customs procedures, and the removal of unnecessary regulatory barriers.

To ensure the smooth functioning of the CEPA, the Partners have established a standing Subcommittee on Trade in Goods that monitors implementation and addresses any emerging issues.

Trade in Services

The CEPA sets clear and transparent rules to facilitate the cross-border supply of services and movement of natural persons.

The CEPA ensures that service providers enjoy favourable treatment across a variety of service sectors and subsectors, including professional services, financial services, logistics, travel and tourism, transport services as well as telecommunication services where the Partners have agreed specific disciplines to support the growth of bilateral trade.

The CEPA includes detailed schedules of commitments for both the UAE and Azerbaijan, which can be seen in the Annexes to Chapter 8 of the Agreement.

Digital Trade

CEPA promotes cross-border digital trade and e-commerce by allowing for open data flows, recognition of electronic signatures, and consumer protection in the digital environment. The common disciplines contained in the CEPA bring greater coherency to a continuously evolving digital trading landscape integral to today’s global economy and serve to enhance confidence and ensure that digital trade flows benefit both businesses and consumers.

For UAE and Azerbaijani businesses alike, this CEPA creates a trusted digital bridge connecting two of Asia’s most dynamic economies and offering new opportunities for e-commerce, fintech, logistics, creative industries, and government-tech partnerships in an increasingly digitalized global marketplace.

Investment

CEPA reaffirms each Partner’s commitment to the protection of investment under the 2006 Bilateral Investment Agreement, and the Partners’ goals to promote and facilitate investments, including through publication of investment legislation and sharing of information.

The CEPA establishes a dedicated technical council to enhance investment flows, and tackle investment matters.

Government Procurement

The CEPA establishes contact points and creates a mechanism for cooperation between the Partners. The CEPA promotes transparency and fair competition in government procurement processes, by ensuring that suppliers from both Partners have access to information on public tenders on a non-discriminatory basis, as well as having access to legislation and procedures.

Intellectual Property Rights

CEPA complements existing international principles and standards for the treatment, protection, and enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in a manner that provides greater confidence in protecting innovations, brands, and creative works, thereby encouraging innovation, technology transfer, and investment in creative industries.

Economic Cooperation

CEPA promotes cooperation and collaboration among the Partners to support stronger economic ties and ensure that businesses can fully benefit from the opportunities made possible by the CEPA.

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

CEPA recognizes the specific needs of SMEs and seeks to make it easier for SMEs and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and attract investment by providing information and putting in place joint platforms to assist SMEs in developing linkages and building capacities.

Dispute Settlement

The CEPA’s state-to-state trade dispute settlement mechanism underscores the Partners’ commitment to resolving trade disputes in a timely manner that preserves the levels of trade liberalization and benefits the economy.

Agreement Administration

CEPA establishes an administrative structure that is comprised of a specialised committee and subcommittees, as well as contact points, which ensures effective communications as well as being tasked with managing and overseeing the implementation of the different aspects of the CEPA.