List of UK-Australia FTA provisions relevant to SMEs
Published 31 May 2023
© Crown copyright 2023
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-australia-fta-provisions-for-small-and-medium-sized-enterprises-smes/list-of-uk-australia-fta-provisions-relevant-to-smes
The FTA contains provisions relevant to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the agreement. For the full FTA text and other key documents to help you understand the agreement, see the UK-Australia free trade agreement.
Preamble
The UK and Australia recognised the importance of considering the needs of SMEs when strengthening economic, trade, and investment relationships between the UK and Australia.
Digital trade
Chapter 14, Article 14.13
The UK and Australia committed to identifying ways in which they can use government information to enhance and generate business and research opportunities for SMEs.
Chapter 14, Article 14.2
The UK and Australia recognised the importance of enhancing the cybersecurity capability of SMEs.
Chapter 14, Article 14.21
The UK and Australia committed to addressing challenges for SMEs in the use of digital trade.
Intellectual property (IP)
Chapter 15, Article 15.14
The UK and Australia have committed to cooperate to improve IP issues. This may include engaging with SMEs regarding the use, protection, and enforcement of intellectual property rights.
Chapter 15, Article 15.15
The UK and Australia agreed to establish the Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR Committee) to exchange intellectual property rights information. This may include information relating to SMEs’ intellectual property issues.
Government procurement
Chapter 16, Article 16.21
The UK and Australia recognised the contribution that SMEs make to economic growth and employment and the importance of facilitating their participation in government procurement.
The UK and Australia agreed to ensure that any measure that provides preferential treatment for SMEs will be made transparent.
To facilitate participation by SMEs in covered procurement the UK and Australia agreed to provide procurement-related information including a definition of SMEs in an electronic portal. The UK and Australia also agreed to consider the size, design, and structure of the procurement, including the use of subcontracting by SMEs.
Chapter 16, Article 16.22
The UK and Australia committed to facilitating participation by SME suppliers in government procurement.
Small and medium-sized enterprises
Chapter 19, Article 19.1
The UK and Australia committed to promoting an environment that supports SMEs.
Chapter 19, Article 19.2
The UK and Australia committed to publishing certain information relevant to SMEs.
Chapter 19, Article 19.3
Designated official SME Contact Points will work together to ensure the UK-AUS FTA benefits SMEs.
Chapter 19, Article 19.4
The UK and Australia committed to cooperating to identify ways to assist SMEs to take advantage of the opportunities under the UK-Australia FTA.
Trade and gender equality
Chapter 24, Article 24.1
The UK and Australia acknowledged that there are provisions in this Agreement to advance gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in relation to SMEs.
Good regulatory practice (GRP)
Chapter 26, Article 26.5
The UK and Australia have agreed to consider the potential impact on SMEs of any proposed regulatory measure.
Chapter 26, Article 26.9
The UK and Australia have agreed to consider whether there are opportunities to achieve their public policy objectives effectively and reduce regulatory burdens on SMEs.
Chapter 26, Article 26.10
The UK and Australia have agreed to improve GRP through different activities that may include information exchanges, dialogues, or meetings with SMEs of the other country.
Transparency and anti-corruption
Chapter 28, Article 28.12
The UK and Australia may adopt measures encouraging professional associations and non-governmental organisations to assist SMEs, in developing internal controls, ethics, and compliance programs and codes to prevent bribery and corruption.