Protocol of Provisional Application

A legal device that enabled the original contracting parties to accept
general GATT obligations and benefits, despite the fact that some of their
existing domestic legislation at that time discriminated against imports in
a manner that was inconsistent with certain GATT provisions. Although
meant to be "temporary," the Protocol has remained in effect; and countries
that signed the PPA in 1947 continue to invoke it to defend certain
practices that are otherwise inconsistent with their GATT obligations.
Countries that acceded to the GATT after 1947 have also done so under the
terms of the Protocol.