🌍 UK-Ukraine Digital Trade Agreement Comes into Force

Today, 1st July, marks the UK-Ukraine Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) coming into force following the completion of both countries' respective domestic ratification processes. It was originally announced that a DTA had been agreed upon on 30th November 2022.

The DTA modernises the current UK-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement by introducing easements in regards to digital trade. Businesses and consumers will benefit from:

• Open digital markets, including guaranteed tariff-free flow of digital content

• Guaranteeing the flow of trusted data

• Collaboration between the UK and Ukraine on cybersecurity

• Cheaper and easier trade through the adoption of digital trading systems

The UK is currently the world’s 2nd largest exporter of services and this agreement will only help to strengthen the UK’s position.  For Ukraine, it is hoped that the agreement can help businesses and people to better access the goods and services they need to rebuild their economy.  

A full list of areas covered within the agreement can be found below: 

1. Open and inclusive digital markets 
   

• duty-free trade in digital content 

• co-operation on competition policy 

• support for small businesses 

• standards and conformity assessment 

• a more inclusive digital economy that works for everyone 

• open internet access 

2. Data flows 

• guaranteed cross-border data flows 

• international data centres 

• personal data protection 

• open government information 

• data innovation 

3. Consumer and business safeguards 

• online consumer protection 

• consumer protection against unsolicited messages 

• cyber security cooperation and sharing 

• protection for cryptographic information 

• protection for source code 

4. Digital trading systems 

• modern electronic contracts 

• digital authentication 

• digital invoicing 

• paperless trading 

• digitised customs procedures 

• modern logistics 

5. Financial services 

• guaranteed flows of financial data 

• new financial services 

6. Tech partnerships 

• artificial intelligence and responsible use of emerging technologies 

• collaboration on digital identities 

• stakeholder engagement