Having in mind the overall objective of the Members to improve and strengthen the international trading system based on GATT 1994;
Recognizing the need to clarify and reinforce the disciplines of GATT 1994, and specifically those of its Article XIX (Emergency Action on Imports of Particular Products), to reestablish multilateral control over safeguards and eliminate measures that escape such control;
Recognizing the importance of structural adjustment and the need to enhance rather than limit competition in international markets; and
Recognizing further that, for these purposes, a comprehensive agreement, applicable to all Members and based on the basic principles of GATT 1994, is called for;
Hereby agree as follows:
Article 1: General Provision
This Agreement establishes rules for the application of safeguard measures which shall be understood to mean those measures provided for in Article XIX of GATT 1994.