The Protocol Amending the Agreement between Japan and the United Mexican States for the Strengthening of the Economic Partnership (Amending Protocol) will enter into force on April 1, 2012.

1. On March 3 (March 2 local time), diplomatic notes concerning the entry into force of the Amending Protocol were exchanged in Mexico City, the capital of the United Mexican States. With this exchange of notes, this Amending Protocol will enter into force on April 1 this year.
2. Based on the Agreement between Japan and the United Mexican States for the Strengthening of the Economic Partnership, which entered into force in April 2005, the Amending Protocol provides for further improvement of market access conditions related to trade in goods, revision of the procedures for certification of origin through introduction of a system for declaration of origin by approved exporters and so on.
3. At the same time, in order to improve convenience, the rules of origin by goods for some products, including automobile components and iron & steel (Annex IV), will be amended corresponding to the actual situation of the industry.
4. It is expected that the entry into force of the Amending Protocol will further invigorate both economies and further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

March 3, 2012

• Latin America and Caribbean Office, Trade Policy Bureau
• Economic Partnership Division, Trade Policy Bureau