Customs

CEFTA Parties have taken steps towards a certain harmonisation in the regulatory framework of IPRs, specifically regarding certain trade-related aspects of IPRs. In this regard, one of the goals under the Common Regional Market Action Plan 2021-2024 has been to develop a framework to harmonise IPR regulations and improve enforcement, aligning them with EU and TRIPs standards, as well as improved coordination between CEFTA Parties’ IP offices.

In 2024, the CEFTA Joint Committee adopted Decision No. 5/2024 on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. The key elements of this Decision are the following:

• Establishment of minimum standards for the protection and enforcement of IPRs within CEFTA Parties;
  
• Requirement for CEFTA Parties to ensure that enforcement procedures are not unnecessarily complicated or costly;
  
• Provision to encourage CEFTA Parties to implement systems that allow the submission of electronic applications concerning applications for the granting of IPRs and the enforcement of IPRs through Customs measures;
  
• Obligation for CEFTA Parties to cooperate in IPR protection and enforcement through the CEFTA Sub-Committee on Intellectual Property Rights; and
  
• Mandate for awareness-raising activities on the importance of IPRs as intangible assets for trade, and provide particular assistance to SMEs.