Ouro Prêto Protocol

South America [1994]

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July 16, 2026

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The Ouro Prato Protocol, established in 1994, is a key component of Mercosur, a South American regional economic organization. This protocol formalized Mercosur's organizational structure and granted it legal standing under international law, enabling it to negotiate agreements with other nations and international bodies. Mercosur itself was created in 1991 by the Treaty of Asunción, with the initial aim of integrating the economies of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The protocol solidified the establishment of a free-trade zone and customs union by January 1, 1995, though full economic harmonization remained a challenge.1

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Mercosur
The Ouro Prêto Protocol (1994) established Mercosur’s present organizational structure and gave it a legal personality under international law, allowing it to negotiate agreements with countries and other international organizations. On Jan. 1, 1995, following several years of efforts to reduce internal tariffs (tariffs imposed by…
Read More
The Ouro Prêto Protocol (1994) established Mercosur’s present organizational structure and gave it a legal personality under international law, allowing it to negotiate agreements with countries and other international organizations. On Jan. 1, 1995, following several years of efforts to reduce internal tariffs (tariffs imposed by…
Read More