International Organisations Act 1968 (c. 48)

International Organisations Act 1968

1968 CHAPTER 48

An Act to make new provision (in substitution for the International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) Act 1950 and the European Coal and Steel Community Act 1955) as to privileges, immunities and facilities to be accorded in respect of certain international organisations and in respect of persons connected with such organisations and other persons; and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid.

[26th July 1968]

Commencement Information

I1 Act wholly in force at Royal Assent.

1 Organisations of which United Kingdom is a member. U.K.

(1) This section shall apply to any organisation declared by Order in Council to be an organisation of which—

(a) the United Kingdom, or Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom, and

[F1 (b) any other sovereign Power or the Government of any other sovereign Power,]

are members.

(2) Subject to subsection (6) of this section, Her Majesty may by Order in Council made under this subsection specify an organisation to which this section applies and make any one or more of the following provisions in respect of the organisation so specified (in the following provisions of this section referred to as “the organisation”), that is to say—

(a) confer on the organisation the legal capacities of a body corporate;

(b) provide that the organisation shall, to such extent as may be specified in the Order, have the privileges and immunities set out in Part I of Schedule 1 to this Act;

(c) confer the privileges and immunities set out in Part II of Schedule 1 to this Act, to such extent as may be specified in the Order, on persons of any such class as is mentioned in the next following subsection;

(d) confer the privileges and immunities set out in Part III of Schedule 1 to this Act, to such extent as may be specified in the Order, on such classes of officers and servants of the organisation (not being classes mentioned in the next following subsection) as may be so specified.

(3) The classes of persons referred to in subsection (2)(c) of this section are

(a) persons who (whether they represent Governments or not) are representatives to the organisation or representatives on, or members of, any organ, committee or other subordinate body of the organisation (including any sub-committee or other subordinate body of a subordinate body of the organisation);

(b) such number of officers of the organisation as may be specified in the Order, being the holders (whether permanent, temporary or acting) of such high offices in the organisation as may be so specified; and

(c) persons employed by or serving under the organisation as experts or as persons engaged on missions for the organisation.

(4) Where an Order in Council is made under subsection (2) of this section, the provisions of Part IV of Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect by virtue of that Order (in those provisions, as they so have effect, referred to as “the relevant Order”), except in so far as that Order otherwise provides.

(5) Where an Order in Council is made under subsection (2) of this section, then for the purpose of giving effect to any agreement made in that behalf between the United Kingdom or Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom and the organisation Her Majesty may by the same or any subsequent Order in Council make either or both of the following provisions, that is to say—

(a) confer the exemptions set out in paragraph 13 of Schedule 1 to this Act, to such extent as may be specified in the Order, in respect of officers and servants of the organisation of any class specified in the Order in accordance with subsection (2)(d) of this section and in respect of members of the family of any such officer or servant who form part of his household;

(b) confer the exemptions set out in Part V of that Schedule in respect of—

(i) members of the staff of the organisation recognised by Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom as holding a rank equivalent to that of a diplomatic agent, and

(ii) members of the family of any such member of the staff of the organisation who form part of his household.

(6) Any Order in Council made under subsection (2) or subsection (5) of this section shall be so framed as to secure—

(a) that the privileges and immunities conferred by the Order are not greater in extent than those which, at the time when the Order takes effect, are required to be conferred in accordance with any agreement to which the United Kingdom or Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom is then a party (whether made with [F2 any other sovereign Power or Government] or made with one or more organisations such as are mentioned in subsection (1) of this section), and

(b) that no privilege or immunity is conferred on any person as the representative of the United Kingdom, or of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom, or as a member of the staff of such a representative.

[F3 (7) Notwithstanding subsection (6)(a) of this section, where any agreement to which the United Kingdom or Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom is a party requires the conferral of any privileges and immunities on the spouse of any individual, Her Majesty may by Order in Council confer the same privileges and immunities on the civil partner of that individual.]

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1 S. 1: s.1 power exercised by S.I. 1991/757.

P2 S. 1: for previous exercises of this power see Index to Government Orders.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 1(1)(b) substituted by International Organisations Act 1981 (c. 9, SIF 68:1), s. 1(1)(a)

F2 Words substituted by International Organisations Act 1981 (c. 9, SIF 68:1), s. 1(1)(b)

F3 S. 1(7) inserted (23.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (International Immunities and Privileges, Companies and Adoption) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3542), arts. 1(2), 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 1 extended by Diplomatic and other Privileges Act 1971 (c. 64), s. 2

C2 S. 1 modified (7.6.2005) by International Organisations Act 2005 (c. 20), ss. 4(1), 11(3)

C3 S. 1 modified (7.6.2005) by International Organisations Act 2005 (c. 20), ss. 8, 11(3)

C4 S. 1(5)(6)(a) modified (7.6.2005) by International Organisations Act 2005 (c. 20), ss. 4(2), 11(3)

C5 S. 1(6)(b) excluded by International Organisations Act 1981 (c. 9, SIF 68:1), s. 4

2 Specialised agencies of United Nations. E+W+S

(1) Where an Order in Council under section 1(2) of this Act is made in respect of an organisation which is a specialised agency of the United Nations having its headquarters or principal office in the United Kingdom, then for the purpose of giving effect to any agreement between the United Kingdom or Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom and that organisation Her Majesty may by the same or any other Order in Council confer the exemptions, privileges and reliefs specified in the next following subsection, to such extent as may be specified in the Order, on officers of the organisation who are recognised by Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom as holding a rank equivalent to that of a diplomatic agent.

(2) The exemptions, privileges and reliefs referred to in the preceding subsection are—

(a) the like exemption or relief from income tax, capital gains tax and rates as, in accordance with Article 34 of the 1961 Convention Articles, is accorded to a diplomatic agent, and

[F4 (aa) the like exemption or relief from being [F5 liable to pay anything in respect of council tax], as in accordance with that Article is accorded to a diplomatic agent, and]

(b) the exemptions, privileges and reliefs specified in paragraphs 10 to 12 of Schedule 1 to this Act, [F6 and the exemption comprised in paragraph 9 of that Schedule from vehicle excise duty F7 . . .]

(3) Where by virtue of subsection (1) of this section any of the exemptions, privileges and reliefs referred to in subsection (2)(b) of this section are conferred on persons as being officers of the organisation, Her Majesty may by the same or any other Order in Council confer the like exemptions, privileges and reliefs on persons who are members of the families of those persons and form part of their households.

(4) The powers conferred by the preceding provisions of this section shall be exercisable in addition to any power exercisable by virtue of subsection (2) or subsection (5) of section 1 of this Act; and any exercise of the powers conferred by those provisions shall have effect without prejudice to the operation of subsection (4) of that section.

(5) [F8 Subsections (6) and (7)] of section 1 of this Act shall have effect in relation to the preceding provisions of this section as [F9 those subsections have] effect in relation to subsections (2) and (5) of that section.

(6) In this section “specialised agency” has the meaning assigned to it by Article 57 of the Charter of the United Nations.

Extent Information

E1 This version of this provision extends to England, Wales and Scotland only; a seperate version has been created for Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

F4 S. 2(2)(aa) inserted (E.W.S.) by Local Government Finance Act 1988 (c. 41, SIF 81:1, 103:2), s. 137, Sch. 12 Pt. III para. 40

F5 Words in s. 2(2)(aa) substituted (E.W.S.) (1.4.1993) by Local Government Finance Act 1992 (c. 14), s. 117(1), Sch. 13 para.27 (with s. 118(1)(2)(4)); S.I. 1993/194, art. 2(a).

F6 Words added by Diplomatic and other Privileges Act 1971 (c. 64), s. 3

F7 Words in s. 2(2)(b) repealed (1.9.1994) by 1994 c. 22, ss. 65, 66(1), Sch. 5 Pt. I (with s. 57(4))

F8 Words in s. 2(5) substituted (23.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (International Immunities and Privileges, Companies and Adoption) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3542), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(a)

F9 Words in s. 2(5) substituted (23.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (International Immunities and Privileges, Companies and Adoption) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3542), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(b)

2 Specialised agencies of United Nations. N.I.

(1) Where an Order in Council under section 1(2) of this Act is made in respect of an organisation which is a specialised agency of the United Nations having its headquarters or principal office in the United Kingdom, then for the purpose of giving effect to any agreement between the United Kingdom or Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom and that organisation Her Majesty may by the same or any other Order in Council confer the exemptions, privileges and reliefs specified in the next following subsection, to such extent as may be specified in the Order, on officers of the organisation who are recognised by Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom as holding a rank equivalent to that of a diplomatic agent.

(2) The exemptions, privileges and reliefs referred to in the preceding subsection are—

(a) the like exemption or relief from income tax, capital gains tax and rates as, in accordance with Article 34 of the 1961 Convention Articles, is accorded to a diplomatic agent, and

(b) the exemptions, privileges and reliefs specified in paragraphs 10 to 12 of Schedule 1 to this Act, [F55 and the exemption comprised in paragraph 9 of that Schedule from vehicle excise duty F56 . . .]

(3) Where by virtue of subsection (1) of this section any of the exemptions, privileges and reliefs referred to in subsection (2)(b) of this section are conferred on persons as being officers of the organisation, Her Majesty may by the same or any other Order in Council confer the like exemptions, privileges and reliefs on persons who are members of the families of those persons and form part of their households.

(4) The powers conferred by the preceding provisions of this section shall be exercisable in addition to any power exercisable by virtue of subsection (2) or subsection (5) of section 1 of this Act; and any exercise of the powers conferred by those provisions shall have effect without prejudice to the operation of subsection (4) of that section.

(5) [F8 Subsections (6) and (7)] of section 1 of this Act shall have effect in relation to the preceding provisions of this section as [F9 those subsections have] effect in relation to subsections (2) and (5) of that section.

(6) In this section “specialised agency” has the meaning assigned to it by Article 57 of the Charter of the United Nations.

Extent Information

E2 This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England, Wales and Scotland only.

Textual Amendments

F8 Words in s. 2(5) substituted (23.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (International Immunities and Privileges, Companies and Adoption) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3542), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(a)

F9 Words in s. 2(5) substituted (23.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (International Immunities and Privileges, Companies and Adoption) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3542), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(b)

F55 Words added by Diplomatic and other Privileges Act 1971 (c. 64), s. 3

F56 Words in s. 2(2)(b) repealed (1.9.1994) by 1994 c. 22, ss. 65, 66(1), Sch. 5 Pt. I (with s. 57(4))

3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F10 U.K.

Textual Amendments

F10 S. 3 repealed by European Communities Act 1972 (c. 68), Sch. 3 Pt. IV

4 Other organisations of which United Kingdom is not a member. U.K.

Where an organisation . . . F11 of which two or more . . . F12 sovereign Powers, or the Governments of two or more such Powers, are members but of which neither the United Kingdom nor Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom is a member, maintains or proposes to maintain an establishment in the United Kingdom, then for the purpose of giving effect to any agreement made in that behalf between the United Kingdom or Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom and that organisation, Her Majesty may by Order in Council specifying the organisation make either or both of the following provisions in respect of the organisation, that is to say—

(a) confer on the organisation the legal capacities of a body corporate, and

(b) provide that the organisation shall, to such extent as may be specified in the Order, be entitled to the like exemption or relief from taxes on income and capital gains as is accorded to a foreign sovereign Power.

Textual Amendments

F11 Words repealed by European Communities Act 1972 (c. 68), Sch. 3 Pt. IV

F12 Word repealed by International Organisations Act 1981 (c. 9, SIF 68:1), s. 6, Sch.

[F13 4A International commodity organisations. U.K.

(1) In this section, “ international commodity organisation ” means any such organisation as is mentioned in section 4 of this Act (international organisations of which the United Kingdom is not a member) which appears to Her Majesty to satisfy each of the following conditions—

(a) that the members of the organisation are States or the Governments of States in which a particular commodity is produced or consumed;

(b) that the exports or imports of that commodity from or to those States account (when taken together) for a significant volume of the total exports or imports of that commodity throughout the world; and

(c) that the purpose or principal purpose of the organisation is—

(i) to regulate trade in that commodity (whether as an import or an export or both) or to promote or study that trade; or

(ii) to promote research into that commodity or its uses or further development.

(2) Subject to the following provisions of this section, an Order made under section 4 of this Act with respect to an international commodity organisation may, for the purpose there mentioned and to such extent as may be specified in the Order—

(a) provide that the organisation shall have the privileges and immunities set out in paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 of Schedule 1 to this Act;

(b) confer on persons of any such class as is mentioned in subsection (3) of this section the privileges and immunities set out in paragraphs 11 and 14 of that Schedule;

(c) provide that the official papers of such persons shall be inviolable; and

(d) confer on officers and servants of the organisation of any such class as may be specified in the Order the privileges and immunities set out in paragraphs 13, 15 and 16 of that Schedule.

(3) The classes of persons referred to in subsection (2)( b ) of this section are—

(a) persons who (whether they represent Governments or not) are representatives to the organisation or representatives on, or members of, any organ, committee or other subordinate body of the organisation (including any sub-committee or other subordinate body of a subordinate body of the organisation);

(b) persons who are members of the staff of any such representative and who are recognised by Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom as holding a rank equivalent to that of a diplomatic agent.

(4) An Order in Council made under section 4 of this Act shall not confer on any person of such class as is mentioned in subsection (3) of this section any immunity in respect of a civil action arising out of an accident caused by a motor vehicle or other means of transport belonging to or driven by such a person, or in respect of a traffic offence involving such a vehicle and committed by such a person.

(5) In this section “ commodity ” means any produce of agriculture, forestry or fisheries, or any mineral, either in its natural state or having undergone only such processes as are necessary or customary to prepare the produce or mineral for the international market. ]

Textual Amendments

F13 S. 4A inserted by International Organisations Act 1981 (c. 9, SIF 68:1), s. 2

[F14 4B [F15 The EU and Euratom and related organisations and bodies] U.K.

[F16 (1) This section applies to—

(a) the European Union,

(b) Euratom, or

(c) any EU or Euratom organisation or body,

if the United Kingdom, or Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, has obligations in relation to it by virtue of any agreement to which the United Kingdom, or Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, is a party (whether made with another sovereign Power or the Government of such a Power or not).]

(2) Her Majesty may by Order in Council make any one or more of the following provisions in respect of [F17 the European Union, Euratom or an EU or Euratom organisation or body if this section applies to it and it is specified]—

(a) confer on [F18 it] the legal capacities of a body corporate;

(b) provide that [F19 it] shall, to such extent as is specified, have such specified privileges and immunities as (having regard to the obligations referred to in [F20 subsection (1)]) it is in the opinion of Her Majesty in Council appropriate for [F19 it] to have;

(c) confer on such specified classes of persons mentioned in subsection (3), to such extent as is specified, such specified privileges and immunities as (having regard to those obligations) it is in the opinion of Her Majesty in Council appropriate to confer on them.

(3) The persons mentioned in subsection (2)(c) are—

(a) the [F21 officers or staff of the European Union, Euratom or the EU or Euratom organisation or body;]

(b) other persons connected with [F22 it],

and members of their families who form part of their households.

[F23 (3A) The power conferred by subsection (2) includes power to make such provision (including provision amending any [F24 assimilated] law) as Her Majesty in Council considers appropriate in consequence of any provision of the kind referred to in subsection (2)(a) to (c).]

(4) In this [F25 section—

• “body” includes a delegation or office;

• “EU or Euratom organisation or body” means—

  (a)

  an organisation or body which is established by or on behalf of the EU or Euratom (or by or on behalf of them jointly), or

  (b)

  any other organisation or body in relation to which the United Kingdom, or Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, had obligations immediately before IP completion day by virtue of the United Kingdom's relationship with the EU or Euratom (or with both of them);“

• “specified”] means specified in the Order in Council.]

Textual Amendments

F14 S. 4B inserted (7.6.2005) by International Organisations Act 2005 (c. 20), ss. 5, 11(3)

F15 S. 4B heading substituted (1.3.2021) by European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020 (c. 29), ss. 27(2), 40(7); S.I. 2020/1662, reg. 3(b)

F16 S. 4B(1) substituted (1.3.2021) by European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020 (c. 29), ss. 27(3), 40(7); S.I. 2020/1662, reg. 3(b)

F17 Words in s. 4B(2) substituted (1.3.2021) by European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020 (c. 29), ss. 27(4)(a), 40(7); S.I. 2020/1662, reg. 3(b)

F18 Word in s. 4B(2)(a) substituted (1.3.2021) by virtue of European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020 (c. 29), ss. 27(4)(b), 40(7); S.I. 2020/1662, reg. 3(b)

F19 Word in s. 4B(2)(b) substituted (1.3.2021) by virtue of European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020 (c. 29), ss. 27(4)(b), 40(7); S.I. 2020/1662, reg. 3(b)

F20 Words in s. 4B(2)(b) substituted (1.3.2021) by European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020 (c. 29), ss. 27(4)(c), 40(7); S.I. 2020/1662, reg. 3(b)

F21 Words in s. 4B(3)(a) substituted (1.3.2021) by European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020 (c. 29), ss. 27(5)(a), 40(7); S.I. 2020/1662, reg. 3(b)

F22 Word in s. 4B(3)(b) substituted (1.3.2021) by European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020 (c. 29), ss. 27(5)(b), 40(7); S.I. 2020/1662, reg. 3(b)

F23 S. 4B(3A) inserted (1.3.2021) by European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020 (c. 29), ss. 27(6), 40(7); S.I. 2020/1662, reg. 3(b)

F24 Word in s. 4B(3A) substituted (1.1.2024) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1424), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 5

F25 Words in s. 4B(4) substituted (1.3.2021) by European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020 (c. 29), ss. 27(7), 40(7); S.I. 2020/1662, reg. 3(b)

5 International judicial and other proceedings. U.K.

(1) Her Majesty may by Order in Council confer on any class of persons to whom this section applies such privileges, immunities and facilities as in the opinion of Her Majesty in Council are or will be required for giving effect—

(a) to any agreement to which, at the time when the Order takes effect, the United Kingdom or Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom is or will be a party, or

(b) to any resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

(2) This section applies to any persons who are for the time being—

(a) judges or members of any international tribunal, or persons exercising or performing, or appointed (whether permanently or temporarily) to exercise or perform, any jurisdiction or functions of such a tribunal;

(b) registrars or other officers of any international tribunal;

(c) parties to any proceedings before any international tribunal;

(d) agents, advisers or advocates (by whatever name called) for any such parties;

(e) witnesses in, or assessors for the purposes of, any proceedings before any international tribunal.

(3) For the purposes of this section any petition, complaint or other communication which, with a view to action to be taken by or before an international tribunal,—

(a) is made to the tribunal, or

(b) is made to a person through whom, in accordance with the constitution, rules or practice of the tribunal, such a communication can be received by the tribunal,

shall be deemed to be proceedings before the tribunal, and the person making any such communication shall be deemed to be a party to such proceedings.

(4) Without prejudice to subsection (3) of this section, any reference in this section to a party to proceedings before an international tribunal shall be construed as including a reference to—

(a) any person who, for the purposes of any such proceedings, acts as next friend, guardian or other representative (by whatever name called) of a party to the proceedings, and

(b) any person who (not being a person to whom this section applies apart from this paragraph) is entitled or permitted, in accordance with the constitution, rules or practice of an international tribunal, to participate in proceedings before the tribunal by way of advising or assisting the tribunal in the proceedings.

(5) In this section “international tribunal” means any court (including the International Court of Justice), tribunal, commission or other body which, in pursuance of any such agreement or resolution as is mentioned in subsection (1) of this section,—

(a) exercises, or is appointed (whether permanently or temporarily) for the purpose of exercising, any jurisdiction, or

(b) performs, or is appointed (whether permanently or temporarily) for the purpose of performing, any functions of a judicial nature or by way of arbitration, conciliation or inquiry,

and includes any individual who, in pursuance of any such agreement or resolution, exercises or performs, or is appointed (whether permanently or temporarily) for the purpose of exercising or performing, any jurisdiction or any such functions.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 5 applied (7.6.2005) by International Organisations Act 2005 (c. 20), ss. 7, 11(3)

[F26 5A Orders under ss. 1 and 4 extending to UK conferences. U.K.

(1) An Order in Council made under section 1 of this Act in respect of any organisation, or under section 4 of this Act in respect of an international commodity organisation, may to such extent as may be specified in the Order, and subject to the following provisions of this section, —

(a) confer on persons of any such class as may be specified in the Order, being persons who are or are to be representatives (whether of Governments or not) at any conference which the organisation may convene in the United Kingdom—

(i) in the case of an Order under section 1, the privileges and immunities set out in Part II of Schedule 1 to this Act;

(ii) in the case of an Order under section 4, the privileges and immunities set out in paragraphs 11 and 14 of that Schedule; and

(b) in the case of an Order under section 4, provide that the official papers of such persons shall be inviolable.

(2) Where in the exercise of the power conferred by subsection (1)( a ) of this section an Order confers privileges and immunities on persons of any such class as is mentioned in that paragraph, the provisions of paragraphs 19 to 22 of Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect in relation to the members of the official staffs of such persons as if in paragraph 19 of that Schedule “representative” were defined as a person of such a class.

(3) The powers exercisable by virtue of this section may be exercised notwithstanding the provisions of any such agreement as is mentioned in section 1(6)( a ) or 4 of this Act, but no privilege or immunity may thereby be conferred on any such representative, or member of his staff, as is mentioned in section 1(6)( b ) of this Act.

(4) In this section “ international commodity organisation ” has the meaning given by section 4A(1) of this Act.

(5) This section is without prejudice to section 6 of this Act.]

Textual Amendments

F26 S. 5A inserted by International Organisations Act 1981 (c. 9, SIF 68:1), s. 3

6 Representatives at international conferences in United Kingdom. U.K.

(1) This section applies to any conference which is, or is to be, held in the United Kingdom and is, or is to be, attended by representatives—

(a) of the United Kingdom, or of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom, and

[F27 (b) of any other sovereign Power or the Government of any other sovereign Power.]

(2) Her Majesty may by Order in Council specify one or more classes of persons who are, or are to be, representatives of [F28 a sovereign Power (other than the United Kingdom)], or of the Government of such a Power, at a conference to which this section applies, and confer on persons of the class or classes in question, to such extent as may be specified in the Order, the privileges and immunities set out in Part II of Schedule 1 to this Act.

(3) Where an Order in Council is made under subsection (2) of this section in relation to a particular conference, then, except in so far as that Order otherwise provides, the provisions of paragraphs 19 to 22 of Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect in relation to members of the official staffs of persons of a class specified in the Order in accordance with that subsection as if in paragraph 19 of that Schedule “representative” were defined as a person of a class so specified in the Order.

Textual Amendments

F27 S. 6(1)(b) substituted by International Organisations Act 1981 (c. 9, SIF 68:1), 1(3)(a)

F28 Words substituted by International Organisations Act 1981 (c. 9, SIF 68:1), s.1(3)(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 6(3) restricted (1.7.2005) by G8 Gleneagles (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/1456), arts. 1, 2(3)

C8 S. 6(3) excluded (30.4.2021) by The G7 Presidency (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/521), arts. 1(1), 3(4)

7 Priority of telecommunications. U.K.

So far as may be necessary for the purpose of giving effect to the International Telecommunication Convention done at Montreux on 12th November 1965 or any subsequent treaty or agreement whereby that Convention is amended or superseded, priority shall, wherever practicable, be given to messages from, and to replies to messages from, any of the following, that is to say—

(a) the Secretary General of the United Nations;

(b) the heads of principal organs of the United Nations; and

(c) the International Court of Justice.

8 Evidence. U.K.

If in any proceedings a question arises whether a person is or is not entitled to any privilege or immunity by virtue of this Act or any Order in Council made thereunder, a certificate issued by or under the authority of the Secretary of State stating any fact relating to that question shall be conclusive evidence of that fact.

9 Financial provisions. U.K.

Any amount refunded under any arrangements made in accordance with any provisions of Schedule 1 to this Act relating to refund of [F29 duty][F30 value added tax or car tax]

(a) if the arrangements were made by the Secretary of State, shall be paid out of moneys provided by Parliament, or

(b) if the arrangements were made by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise, shall be paid out of the moneys standing to the credit of the General Account of those Commissioners.

Textual Amendments

F29 Word substituted by Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (c. 2, SIF 40:1), s. 177(1), Sch. 4 para. 12

F30 Words substituted by Finance Act 1972 (c. 41), s. 55(5) but without prejudice to operation of s. 9 as originally enacted with respect to purchase tax becoming due before 1.4.1973

10 Orders in Council. U.K.

(1) No recommendation shall be made to Her Majesty in Council to make an Order under any provision (other than section 6) of this Act unless a draft of the Order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

(2) Any Order in Council made under section 6 of this Act shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(3) Any power conferred by any provision of this Act to make an Order in Council shall include power to revoke or vary the Order by a subsequent Order in Council made under that provision.

11 Interpretation. U.K.

(1) In this Act “the 1961 Convention Articles” means the Articles (being certain Articles of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations signed in 1961) which are set out in Schedule 1 to the M1 Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964, and “the International Court of Justice” means the court set up by that name under the Charter of the United Nations.

(2) Expressions used in this Act to which a meaning is assigned by Article 1 of the 1961 Convention Articles, and other expressions which are used both in this Act and in those Articles, shall, except in so far as the context otherwise requires, be construed as having the same meanings in this Act as in those Articles.

(3) For the purpose of giving effect to any arrangements made in that behalf between Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom and any organisation, premises which are not premises of the organisation but are recognised by that Government as being temporarily occupied by the organisation for its official purposes shall, in respect of such period as may be determined in accordance with the arrangements, be treated for the purposes of this Act as if they were premises of the organisation.

(4) Except in so far as the context otherwise requires, any reference in this Act to an enactment is a reference to that enactment as amended or extended by or under any other enactment.

Marginal Citations

M1 1964 c. 81.

12 Consequential amendments, repeals and transitional provisions. U.K.

(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F31

(2) In the M2 Consular Relations Act 1968, at the end of the section 1(3) there shall be inserted the words “or the International Organisations Act 1968”.

(3) References in any enactment to the powers conferred by the M3 International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) Act 1950 shall be construed as including references to the powers conferred by this Act.

(4) Subject to the following provisions of this section, the enactments specified in Schedule 2 to this Act are hereby repealed to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule.

(5) Any Order in Council which has been made, or has effect as if made, under an enactment repealed by subsection (4) of this section and is in force immediately before the passing of this Act shall continue to have effect notwithstanding the repeal of that enactment and, while any such Order in Council continues to have effect in relation to an organisation,—

(a) the enactment in question shall continue to have effect in relation to that organisation as if that enactment had not been repealed, and

(b) section 8 of this Act shall have effect as if in that section any reference to this Act or an Order in Council made thereunder included a reference to that enactment or that Order in Council.

(6) Any such Order in Council as is mentioned in subsection (5) of this section—

(a) if made, or having effect as if made, under section 1 of the M4 International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) Act 1950, may be revoked or varied as if it had been made under section 1 of this Act;

(b) if made, or having effect as if made, under section 3 of that Act, may be revoked or varied as if it had been made under section 5 of this Act.

F32 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F31 S. 12(1) repealed by Civil Aviation Act 1982 (c. 16, SIF 9), s. 109(3), Sch. 16

F32 S. 12(7) repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XI Group2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 The text of s. 12(2)(4) and Sch. 2 is in the form originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made since 1.2.1991

Marginal Citations

M2 1968 c. 18.

M3 1950 c. 14.

M4 1950 c. 14.

13 Short title. U.K.

This Act may be cited as the International Organisations Act 1968.

SCHEDULES

Sections 1, 2, 3, 6.

SCHEDULE 1 U.K. Privileges and Immunities

Part I U.K.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 Sch. 1 Pt. I: power to apply conferred (1.9.1997) by 1997 c. 7, ss. 7(2)(b), 7(6); S.I. 1997/2111, art. 2

Sch. 1 Pt. I: power to apply conferred (temp.) (26.5.1999) by 1999 c. 7, s. 2(1)(b)(6); S.I. 1999/1511, art. 2

Privileges and immunities of the organisation U.K.

1 U.K. Immunity from suit and legal process.

2 U.K. The like inviolability of official archives and premises of the organisation as, in accordance with the 1961 Convention Articles, is accorded in respect of the official archives and premises of a diplomatic mission.

3 (1) Exemption or relief from taxes, other than [F33 duties (whether of customs or excise)] and taxes on the importation of goods. U.K.

(2) The like relief from rates as in accordance with Article 23 of the 1961 Convention Articles is accorded in respect of the premises of a diplomatic mission.

Textual Amendments

F33 Words substituted by Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (c. 2, SIF 40:1), s. 177(1), Sch. 4 para. 12

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 Sch. 1 para. 3 extended by Civil Aviation Act 1982 (c. 16, SIF 9), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 1(2)

4 U.K. Exemption from [F34 duties (whether of customs or excise)] and taxes on the importation of goods imported by or on behalf of the organisation for its official use in the United Kingdom, or on the importation of any publications of the organisation imported by it or on its behalf, such exemption to be subject to compliance with such conditions as the Commissioners of Customs and Excise may prescribe for the protection of the Revenue.

Textual Amendments

F34 Words substituted by Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (c. 2, SIF 40:1), s. 177(1), Sch. 4 para. 12

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Sch. 1 paras. 4, 5 extended by Civil Aviation Act 1982 (c. 16, SIF 9), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 1(2)

5 U.K. Exemption from prohibitions and restrictions on importation or exportation in the case of goods imported or exported by the organisation for its official use and in the case of any publications of the organisation imported or exported by it.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 Sch. 1 paras. 4, 5 extended by Civil Aviation Act 1982 (c. 16, SIF 9), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 1(2)

6 U.K. Relief, under arrangements made either by the Secretary of State or by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise, by way of refund of [F35 duty (whether of customs or excise) paid on imported hydrocarbon oil (within the meaning of the Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979) or value added tax paid on the importation of such oil which is] bought in the United Kingdom and used for the official purposes of the organisation, such relief to be subject to compliance with such conditions as may be imposed in accordance with the arrangements.

Textual Amendments

F35 Words substituted by Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (c. 2, SIF 40:1), s. 177(1), Sch. 4 para. 12

7 U.K. Relief, under arrangements made by the Secretary of State, by way of refund of [F36 car tax paid on any vehicles and value added tax paid on the supply of goods or services] which are used for the official purposes of the organisation, such relief to be subject to compliance with such conditions as may be imposed in accordance with the arrangements.

Textual Amendments

F36 Words inserted by Finance Act 1972 (c. 41), s. 55(5) but without prejudice to operation of para. 7 as originally enacted with respect to purchase tax becoming due before 1.4.1973

Part II U.K.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 Sch. 1 Pt. II: power to apply conferred (temp.) (26.5.1999) by 1999 c. 7, s. 2(1)(c)(6); S.I. 1999/1511, art. 2

Privileges and immunities of representatives, members of subordinate bodies, high officers, experts, and persons on missions U.K.

8 U.K. For the purpose of conferring on any person any such exemption, privilege or relief as is mentioned in any of the following paragraphs of this Part of this Schedule, any reference in that paragraph to the representative or officer shall be construed as a reference to that person.

9 U.K. The like immunity from suit and legal process, the like inviolability of residence, and the like exemption or relief from taxes and rates, other than [F37 duties (whether of customs or excise)] and taxes on the importation of goods, as are accorded to or in respect of the head of a diplomatic mission.

Textual Amendments

F37 Words substituted by Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (c. 2, SIF 40:1), s. 177(1), Sch. 4 para. 12

[F38 9A U.K. The like inviolability of official premises as is accorded in respect of the premises of a diplomatic mission.]

Textual Amendments

F38 Sch. 1 para. 9A inserted by International Organisations Act 1981 (c. 9, SIF 68:1), s. 5(1)

[F39 9B E+W+S The like exemption or relief from being [F40 liable to pay anything in respect of council tax], as is accorded to or in respect of the head of a diplomatic mission.]

Textual Amendments

F39 Sch. 1 para. 9B inserted (E.W.S.) (prosp.) by Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (c. 42, SIF 81:1), ss. 194, 195(2), Sch. 11 para. 14

F40 Words in Sch. 1 para. 9B substituted (5.11.1993) by Local Government Finance Act 1992 (c. 14), s. 117(1), Sch. 13 para. 28 (with s. 118(1)(2)(4)); S.I. 1993/194, art. 2(a)

[F57 9B U.K. The like exemption or relief from being subject to a community charge, or being liable to pay anything in respect of a community charge or anything by way of contribution in respect of a collective community charge, as is accorded to or in respect of the head of a diplomatic mission.]

Textual Amendments

F57 Sch. 1 para. 9B inserted (E.W.S.) (prosp.) by Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (c. 42, SIF 81:1), ss. 194, 195(2), Sch. 11 para. 14

10 U.K. The like exemption from [F41 duties (whether of customs or excise)] and taxes on the importation of articles imported for the personal use of the representative or officer or of members of his family forming part of his household, including articles intended for his establishment [F42 and the like privilege as to the importation of such articles], as in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 36 of the 1961 Convention Articles is accorded to a diplomatic agent.

Textual Amendments

F41 Words substituted by Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (c. 2, SIF 40:1), s. 177(1), Sch. 4 para. 12

F42 Words inserted by International Organisations Act 1981 (c. 9, SIF 68:1), s. 5(1)

11 U.K. The like exemption and privileges in respect of the personal baggage of the representative or officer as in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of those Articles are accorded to a diplomatic agent, as if in that paragraph the reference to paragraph 1 of that Article were a reference to paragraph 10 of this Schedule.

12 U.K. Relief, under arrangements made either by the Secretary of State or by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise, by way of refund of [F43 duty (whether of customs or excise) paid on imported hydrocarbon oil (within the meaning of the Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979) or value added tax paid on the importation of such oil which is] bought in the United Kingdom by or on behalf of the representative or officer, such relief to be subject to compliance with such conditions as may be imposed in accordance with the arrangements.

Textual Amendments

F43 Words substituted by Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (c. 2, SIF 40:1), s. 177(1), Sch. 4 para. 12

13 U.K. Exemptions whereby, [F44 for the purposes of the enactments relating to . . . F45 social security, including enactments in force in Northern Ireland—

(a) services rendered for the organisation by the representative or officer shall be deemed to be excepted from any class of employment in respect of which contributions or premiums under those enactments are payable, but]

(b) no person shall be rendered liable to pay any contribution [F46 or premium] which he would not be required to pay if those services were not deemed to be so excepted.

Textual Amendments

F44 Words substituted (prosp. as to words “or premiums”) by Social Security Act 1973 (c. 38), Sch. 27 para. 80(a), S.I. 1974/164, art. 2(1), Sch. and 1974/823, art. 2(4)(a)(b) (iii), Sch.

F45 Words repealed by Social Security (Consequential Provisions) Act 1975 (c. 18), Sch. 1 Pt. I

F46 Words inserted (prosp.) by Social Security Act 1973 (c. 38), Sch. 27 para. 80(b) S.I. 1974/164, art. 2(1), Sch. and 1974/823, art. 2(4)(a)(b) (iii), Sch.

Part III U.K.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 Sch. 1 Pt. III: power to apply conferred (temp.) (26.5.1999) by 1999 c. 7, s. 2(1)(c)(6); S.I. 1999/1511, art. 2

Privileges and immunities of other officers and servants U.K.

14 U.K. Immunity from suit and legal process in respect of things done or omitted to be done in the course of the performance of official duties.

15 U.K. Exemption from income tax in respect of emoluments received as an officer or servant of the organisation.

16 U.K. The like exemption from [F47 duties (whether of customs or excise)] and taxes on the importation of articles which—

(a) at or about the time when an officer or servant of the organisation first enters the United Kingdom as such an officer or servant are imported for his personal use or that of members of his family forming part of his household, including articles intended for his establishment, and

(b) are articles which were in his ownership or possession or that of such a member of his family, or which he or such a member of his family was under contract to purchase, immediately before he so entered the United Kingdom,

[F48 and the like privilege as to the importation of such articles] as in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 36 of the 1961 Convention Articles is accorded to a diplomatic agent.

Textual Amendments

F47 Words substituted by Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (c. 2, SIF 40:1), s. 177(1), Sch. 4 para. 12

F48 Words inserted by International Organisations Act 1981 (c. 9, SIF 68:1), s. 5(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 Sch. 1 para. 16: power to apply conferred (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 63, s. 1(3), Sch. paras. 5(c), 7, 8(2)(3)

17 U.K. Exemption from [F49 duties (whether of customs or excise)] and taxes on the importation of any motor vehicle imported by way of replacement of a motor vehicle in respect of which the conditions specified in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph 16 of this Schedule were fulfilled, such exemption to be subject to compliance with such conditions as the Commissioners of Customs and Excise may prescribe for the protection of the Revenue.

Textual Amendments

F49 Words substituted by Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (c. 2, SIF 40:1), s. 177(1), Sch. 4 para. 12

18 U.K. The like exemption and privileges in respect of the personal baggage of an officer or servant of the organisation as in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 36 of the 1961 Convention Articles are accorded to a diplomatic agent, as if in that paragraph the reference to paragraph 1 of that Article were a reference to paragraph 16 of this Schedule.

Part IV U.K.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 (paras. 19–23) restricted by S.I. 1988/1298, arts. 13(2)(3)(4), 14(2) and by S.I. 1988/1299, art. 13(3)(4)(5)

C18 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 excluded by S.I. 1991/757 art. 13(6)(7) Pt. III.

C19 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (with effect as mentioned in art. 1(1) of the amending S.I.) by S.I. 1994/1890, arts. 13(2)-(4), 14(3)

C20 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (with effect as mentioned in art. 1 of the amending S.I.) by S.I. 1995/266, arts. 13(3)(4), 14(3)

Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (with effect as mentioned in art. 1 of the amending S.I.) by S.I. 1999/1125, art. 15

Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (with effect as mentioned in art. 1 of the amending S.I.) by S.I. 1999/1125, art. 16(2)

Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (with effect as mentioned in art. 1 of the amending S.I.) by S.I. 2000/1105, art. 14

Sch. 1 Pt. 4 (paras. 19-23) restricted (17.7.2002) by S.I. 2002/1826, arts. 14(3)-(5), 15(2)(3), 19(2)

C21 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (6.5.2004 coming into force in accordance with art. 1) by Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1282), arts. 1, 14(2)-(4), 15(2)

C22 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (1.7.2005) by G8 Gleneagles (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/1456), arts. 1, 2(3)

C23 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 excluded (19.7.2006 coming into force in accordance with art. 1) by European Organization for Nuclear Research (Privileges and Immunities) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1922), arts. 1, 12(3)

C24 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (S.) (12.2.2009) by International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), art. 1, Sch. 6 para. 7(3)

C25 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (S.) (12.2.2009) by International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), art. 1, Sch. 8 para. 7(3)(4)

C26 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (S.) (12.2.2009) by International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 6(4)-(6)

C27 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (S.) (12.2.2009) by International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), art. 1, Sch. 4 para. 7(2)(3)

C28 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 excluded (S.) (12.2.2009) by International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), art. 1, Sch. 12 para. 8(3)

C29 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (S.) (12.2.2009) by International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), art. 1, Sch. 9 para. 7(2)

C30 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (S.) (12.2.2009) by International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 7(4)

C31 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (S.) (12.2.2009) by International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), art. 1, Sch. 3 para. 7(3)

C32 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (S.) (12.2.2009) by International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), art. 1, Sch. 7 para. 6(3)-(5)

C33 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (S.) (12.2.2009) by International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), art. 1, Sch. 6 para. 6(4)(5)

C34 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (S.) (12.2.2009) by International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), art. 1, Sch. 3 para. 6(3)-(5)

C35 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (S.) (12.2.2009) by International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), art. 1, Sch. 4 para. 8(3)

C36 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (S.) (12.2.2009) by International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), art. 1, Sch. 8 para. 6(3)-(5)

C37 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (S.) (12.2.2009) by International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), art. 1, Sch. 9 para. 6(3)-(5)

C38 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (S.) (12.2.2009) by International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), art. 1, Sch. 8 para. 11(2)

C39 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (9.7.2009) by European Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1748), arts. 1, 15(2) (as amended (28.6.2018) by The European Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere and the European Space Agency (Immunities and Privileges) (Amendment) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/787), arts. 1(2), 3)

C40 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (9.7.2009) by European Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1748), arts. 1, 14(2) (as amended (28.6.2018) by The European Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere and the European Space Agency (Immunities and Privileges) (Amendment) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/787), arts. 1(2), 3)

C41 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (9.7.2009) by European Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1748), arts. 1, 16(2) (as amended (28.6.2018) by The European Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere and the European Space Agency (Immunities and Privileges) (Amendment) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/787), arts. 1(2), 3)

C42 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/1069), arts. 1(1), 15(4)-(6) (with art. 1(4)(a))

C43 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/1090), arts. 1(2), 9, 10 (with art. 1(5)(6))

C44 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(2) of the amending S.S.I.) by The Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2021 (S.S.I. 2021/346), arts. 1(2), 8, 9 (with art. 1(4))

C45 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 excluded (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Inter-American Investment Corporation (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1344), arts. 1(2), 15(4) (with art. 2)

C46 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 excluded (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The International Criminal Police Organisation (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/837), art. 17 (with art. 1(4))

C47 Sch. 1 Pt. 4 restricted (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(2) of the amending S.S.I.) by The International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) (Scotland) Order 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/44), sch. 20 para. 14 (as inserted by S.S.I. 2023/208, sch. para. 14)

Privileges and immunities of official staffs and of families of representatives, high officers and official staffs U.K.

19 U.K. In this Part of this Schedule—

(a) “representative” means a person who is such a representative to the organisation specified in the relevant Order or such a representative on, or member of, an organ, committee or other subordinate body of that organisation as is mentioned in section 1(3)(a) of this Act;

(b) “member of the official staff” means a person who accompanies a representative as part of his official staff in his capacity as a representative.

[F50 (c) references to importation, in relation to value added tax, shall include references to anything charged with tax in accordance with section [F51 [F52 1(1)(c)] of the Value Added Tax Act 1994 ] [F53 (imposition of charge to value added tax on imported goods)] , and “ imported ” shall be construed accordingly. ]

Textual Amendments

F50 Sch. 1 para. 19(c) inserted (1.12.1992 to extent mentioned in S.I. 1992/2979, art. 4 and 1.1.1993 in so far as not already in force) by Finance (No.2) Act 1992 (c.48), ss. 14(2), Sch. 3 Pt. III para. 90; S.I. 1992/2979, art. 3, Sch. Pt. II and 1992/3261, art. 3, Sch.

F51 Words in Sch. 1 para. 19(c) substituted (1.9.1994) by 1994 c. 23, ss. 100(1), 101(1), Sch. 14 para. 4

F52 Words in Sch. 1 para. 19(c) substituted (31.12.2020) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 103(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)

F53 Words in Sch. 1 para. 19(c) substituted (31.12.2020) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 103(b) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C48 Sch. 1 para. 19(c) applied (17.12.2020 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by 1994 c. 23, Sch. 9ZA para. 75(1)(d) (as inserted by Taxation (Post-transition Period) Act 2020 (c. 26), s. 11(1)(e), Sch. 2 para. 2 (with s. 3(4), Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(10)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 9)

20 U.K. A member of the official staff who is recognised by Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom as holding a rank equivalent to that of a diplomatic agent shall be entitled to the privileges and immunities set out in Part II of this Schedule to the like extent as, by virtue of the relevant Order, the representative whom he accompanies is entitled to them.

21 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) of this paragraph, a member of the official staff who is not so recognised, and who is employed in the adminstrative or technical service of the representative whom he accompanies, shall be entitled to the privileges and immunities set out in paragraphs 9 and 13 of this Schedule to the like extent as, by virtue of the relevant Order, that representative is entitled to them. U.K.

(2) Such a member of the official staff shall not by virtue of the preceding sub-paragraph be entitled to immunity from any civil proceedings in respect of any cause of action arising otherwise than in the course of his official duties.

(3) Such a member of the official staff shall also be entitled to the exemption set out in paragraph 16 of this Schedule as if he were an officer of the organisation specified in the relevant Order.

22 U.K. A member of the official staff who is employed in the domestic service of the representative whom he accompanies shall be entitled to the following privileges and immunities, that is to say—

(a) immunity from suit and legal process in respect of things done or omitted to be done in the course of the performance of official duties, and

(b) the exemptions set out in paragraph 13 of this Schedule,

to the like extent as, by virtue of the relevant Order, that representative is entitled to them, and shall be entitled to exemption from taxes on his emoluments in respect of that employment to the like extent as, by virtue of the relevant Order, that representative is entitled to exemption from taxes on his emoluments as a representative.

23 (1) Persons who are members of the family of a representative and form part of his household shall be entitled to the privileges and immunities set out in Part II of this Schedule to the like extent as, by virtue of the relevant Order, that representative is entitled to them. U.K.

(2) Persons who are members of the family and form part of the household of an officer of the organisation specified in the relevant Order, where that officer is the holder (whether permanent, temporary or acting) of an office specified in that Order in accordance with section 1(3)(b) of this Act, shall be entitled to the privileges and immunities set out in Part II of this Schedule to the like extent as, by virtue of the relevant Order, that officer is entitled to them.

(3) Persons who are members of the family and form part of the household of such a member of the official staff as is mentioned in paragraph 20 of this Schedule shall be entitled to the privileges and immunities set out in Part II of this Schedule to the like extent as, by virtue of that paragraph, that member of the official staff is entitled to them.

(4) Persons who are members of the family and form part of the household of such a member of the official staff as in mentioned in paragraph 21 of this Schedule shall be entitled to the privileges and immunities set out in paragraphs 9 and 13 of this Schedule to the like extent as, by virtue of paragraph 21 of this Schedule, that member of the official staff is entitled to them.

Part V U.K.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C49 Sch. 1 Pt. V: power to apply conferred (temp.) (26.5.1999) by 1999 c. 7, s. 2(1)(c)(6); S.I. 1999/1511, art. 2

Estate duty and capital gains tax on death U.K.

24 U.K. In the event of the death of the person in respect of whom the exemptions under this paragraph are conferred, exemptions from—

(a) estate duty leviable on his death under the law of any part of the United Kingdom in respect of movable property which is in the United Kingdom immediately before his death and whose presence in the United Kingdom at that time is due solely to his presence there in the capacity by reference to which the exemptions are conferred, and

F54 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F54 Sch. 1 para. 24(b) repealed (6.3.1992 with effect as mentioned in s. 289(1)(2) of the repealing Act) by Taxation Of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 (c.12), ss. 289(1)(2), 290, Sch. 12 (with Sch. 11 paras. 22, 26(2), 27)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C50 Reference to estate duty to be construed as including reference to capital transfer tax chargeable under Finance Act 1975 (c. 7), s. 22: ibid., Sch. 12 para. 1

Section 12

SCHEDULE 2. U.K. Enactment Repealed

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C51 The text of s. 12(2)(4) and Sch. 2 is in the form originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made since 1.2.1991

Chapter	Short title	Extent of repeal
14 Geo. 6. c. 14.	The International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) Act 1950.	The whole Act.
4 Eliz. 2. c. 2.	The German Conventions Act 1955.	Section 1(2).
4 Eliz. 2. c. 4.	The European Coal and Steel Community Act 1955.	The whole Act.