The EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) entered into force. It is the EU's first-ever standalone bilateral digital trade agreement, marking an important step in the EU's expanding network of digital trade agreements and digital trade chapters in its free trade agreements. The DTA strengthens trade between the EU and Singapore by setting transparent rules that make cross-border digital transactions easier, more predictable and reliable for businesses and consumers.
The agreement creates a safe online environment for consumers through high-standard commitments on online consumer protection, personal data and privacy, and protection against unsolicited commercial messages. It provides greater legal certainty for businesses by promoting paperless trade, ensuring the validity of electronic signatures, contracts and invoices, and prohibiting customs duties on electronic transmissions. Moreover, it promotes fair digital trade by prohibiting unjustified data localisation requirements and forced transfers of source code of software, protecting businesses from protectionist practices.
European Commission
