Title
Republic of Korea - Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA)
Dates of the instrument
Signature: 08 April 2014
Entry into force*: 12 December 2014
Summary
The Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) is a comprehensive agreement that, since its entry into force on December 12, 2014, has substantially liberalized trade between the two countries and created significant new commercial opportunities.
Key paperless trade provisions are found in:
Chapter 4 (Customs Administration and Trade Facilitation):
- Article 4.4 specifically addresses the Use of Automated Systems in the Paperless Trading Environment
- Implementation of automated customs systems
- Digital documentation processing protocols
Chapter 15 (Electronic Commerce):
- Provisions on Electronic Authentication and Electronic Signatures
- Digital certificates acceptance
- Online consumer protection frameworks
- Cross-border information flow facilitation
The agreement represents a significant modernization of trade procedures between Korea and Australia, promoting technological solutions for trade facilitation while maintaining security and regulatory compliance standards. It established a foundation for continued development of paperless trading systems between both nations.
Relevant document(s)
Geographical coverage
Australia; Republic of Korea
Legal nature
Bilateral Trade Agreements
Trade processes
Border and Regulatory Processes
Trade documents
Non-preferential Certificate of Origin (CoO)
Preferential Certificate of Origin (PCoO)
Customs Declaration (CD)
Phytosanitary certificate (ePhyto)
Contact point
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
legalisations.australia@dfat.gov.au
Contact point
Korea Customs Service
kcsenquiry@customs.go.kr
* For a model law – entry into force of the law enacting a model law; for a treaty–entry into force
Last Update: 10 February 2025