General regulations - EXPO2027GR1E.pdf

General Regulations

GENERAL REGULATIONS

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1

Title, Theme, and Category

1.1. An International Recognised Exhibition shall be held in Belgrade, Serbia.

1.2. The title of this Exhibition shall be International Recognised Exhibition EXPO 2027 Belgrade Serbia, abbreviated as EXPO 2027 Belgrade (the "Exhibition”).

1.3. The Theme of the Exhibition will be "Play for Humanity – Sport and Music for All" (the "Theme”).

1.4. The Theme delves into the multifaceted nature of play as a method of exploration, discovery and observation, examining how it defines our identities and moulds the world around us through the intricate interplay of cognitive, emotional, creative, physical, and social development. It serves as a comprehensive exploration of how play shapes not only our personal growth but also influences the broader social and cultural landscapes, fostering a deeper understanding of its world-changing power. The details of the Theme's development will be specified in Special Regulation No. 1 as stipulated in Article 34 hereof.

1.5. Following an enquiry held from 12th to 16th September 2022, the Bureau International des Expositions (the "BIE”) has recognised this Exhibition at its 175th session of 26th November 2024 in accordance with the provisions of the Paris Convention on International Exhibitions as of 22 November 1928, as amended (the “Convention”).

Article 2

Site

2.1. The Exhibition will be located on the outskirts of Belgrade, approximately 13.5 km from the city centre and 5 km from the Belgrade Airport Nikola Tesla. The site is well connected to the road networks in Serbia and the region.

2.2. The total area shall cover approximately 113 hectares, comprising the Exhibition site, which will be used for Exhibition spaces and other Exhibition activities, and an additional area, which will be used for supporting facilities.

2.3. The combined rectangular site housing the National Football Stadium and EXPO Complex (EXPO Site, EXPO Village, EXPO Services and EXPO Parking) will be located on a flat greenfield southwest of Belgrade and within half a kilometre of the Sava riverbank.

2.4. The Exhibition site will be accessed principally by a new transport corridor (E75 highway and railway lines) to the west of the site connected to the Belgrade city centre’s Western edge.

Article 3

Duration

3.1. The Exhibition, which shall last a maximum of three months, shall open on 15 May 2027 and shall finally be closed on 15 August 2027.

3.2. In the event of one or more visiting days being organised before the official opening date, for special categories of guests such as press representatives, the dates shall be determined upon receiving an agreement of the Steering Committee of the College of Commissioners.

PART II

GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXHIBITION

Article 4

Coordination Team of the Government of the Republic of Serbia

4.1. By Decision No. 02-6026/2023-1 dated 06 July 2023 of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, а Coordination Team of the Government of the Republic of Serbia was established to monitor the implementation of the Exhibition in order to ensure effective cooperation and coordination of the work of the competent authorities on the implementation of the Exhibition. The Chair of the Coordination Team shall be the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Serbia.

Article 5

Commissioner of the Exhibition

5.1. The Government of the Republic of Serbia will appoint a Commissioner of the Exhibition (the “Commissioner”).

5.2. The Commissioner shall represent the Government of the Republic of Serbia in all matters related to the Exhibition. They shall ensure that the commitments taken vis-à-vis the BIE and the participants are duly honoured. They shall ensure that the work programme is observed and that the general provisions of the General and Special Regulations are duly implemented. They shall exercise disciplinary powers over the Exhibition, and, in this capacity, they shall be authorised to suspend or stop any activity, and cause at any time the withdrawal of items of whatever origin which are incompatible with the proper standing of the Exhibition, and which are likely to be a risk or liability. If the Organiser or the Section Commissioner should contest the decision of the Commissioner, the provisions set out in Article 10 hereof shall apply. This possibility has the effect of putting the decision in abeyance except where a matter of security is in question.

5.3. Under their own responsibility, the Commissioner can delegate the exercise of their powers to their co-workers.

5.4. The Commissioner may not carry out any function or mission on the Organiser's behalf unless these functions are purely disinterested and non-profit-making, in law and in fact.

Article 6

Relationship between the Commissioner and the BIE

6.1. The Commissioner shall communicate to the BIE, as soon as they receive such information, all decisions issued by foreign Governments regarding their participation, and particularly the documents wherein Governments notify the Commissioner of their acceptance of the invitation to participate, the nomination of Commissioners of national Sections, sites selected by participating countries etc. and, as soon as they have been signed, the Participation Contracts.

6.2. Within the periods specified in Article 34 hereof, the Commissioner shall submit to the BIE the texts of the Special Regulations. They shall keep the BIE fully informed, chiefly by reporting at each of its sessions, of all developments and progress relating to the preparation of the Exhibition. They shall ensure that the use of the symbols of the Expo and the BIE complies with the regulations laid down by the BIE. They shall welcome and assist the delegates sent by the BIE on official missions to the Exhibition.

6.3. The Commissioner shall ensure that the Organiser indicates, by all suitable means, particularly by mentioning it in all documents that the BIE has recognised the Exhibition by the regulations laid down by the BIE.

6.4. The Commissioner shall communicate to the BIE, in due time and for the information of the participants, the legislative, statutory, or other texts adopted by the Republic of Serbia and its local authorities in order to facilitate the participation of foreign states and ensure the success of the Exhibition.

6.5. The Commissioner shall agree with the BIE on the methods and procedures by which the percentage of 2% of the total receipts deriving from gross ticket sales is to be paid to the BIE as required under BIE regulations (the “Royalty on Gate Money”). The amount of the Royalty on Gate Money should under no circumstances be inferior to that foreseen as compensation for the cancellation of an Exhibition as stipulated pursuant to Article 38 of the present General Regulation.

Article 7

College of Commissioners / Steering Committee

7.1. At the earliest possible opportunity, the Commissioner shall convene a meeting of Section Commissioners representing the participating countries to nominate a Chairperson and a Steering Committee to represent them, to consider matters of mutual interest, and exercise the powers laid down in Article 10 hereunder. The Steering Committee shall be formed by Section Commissioners of BIE member states and shall be chaired by a Section Commissioner of a BIE member state. When the number of states officially participating doubles after the elections, the elections shall be considered no longer valid, and new elections shall be held.

7.2. Should the Chairperson of the Steering Committee be prevented for any reason from fulfilling their responsibilities, they shall delegate their powers to another member of the Steering Committee.

Article 8

Exhibition Organiser

8.1. In accordance with the Decision on the Establishment of "EXPO 2027" d.o.o. Belgrade adopted by the Government of the Republic of Serbia on 20 November 2023, and having regard to the authority of the Commissioner, the preparation, organisation, operation, and management of the Exhibition shall be the responsibility of "EXPO 2027" d.o.o. Belgrade (the "Organiser”).

8.2. The Commissioner shall communicate to the BIE, for the information of the participants and its formal records, the constitutional proceedings and composition of the Organiser, as well as the basic terms concerning guarantees, benefits, and limitations arising from the contracts signed between the Organiser and the Republic of Serbia and, if the case arises, other public authorities.

PART III

OFFICIAL PARTICIPANTS

Article 9

9.1. The Government of any participating country at the Exhibition shall be represented by a Section Commissioner accredited to the Republic of Serbia. Any international organisation participating in the Exhibition as an official participant may also appoint a Section Commissioner.

9.2. The Participation Contract shall be signed by the Section Commissioner and the Organiser, with the counter signature by the Commissioner.

9.3. The Section Commissioner shall solely be responsible for the organisation and operation of their national Section, which shall include all the exhibitors and managers of the commercial activities referred to in Chapter III of Part IV hereof, but not the concessionaires referred to in Part V.

9.4. The Section Commissioner shall guarantee that the members of his national Section will abide by the regulations issued by the Organiser and approved by the BIE.

9.5. In order to be able to carry out their responsibilities, Section Commissioners shall be entitled to the advantages listed in Special Regulation No. 12 concerning the privileges and advantages of Section Commissioners and their staff referred to in Article 34 hereof.

9.6. The personnel of foreign national sections shall have accommodation benefits provided for in Special Regulation No. 6 concerning the accommodation facilities for the personnel of the Official

Participants, referred to in Article 34 hereof.

9.7. All Official Participants shall have equal rights and obligations, except as specified below.

9.8. However, more favourable financial conditions may be offered by the Organiser to the Official Participants placed into the categories specified hereinafter:

a. officially participating countries that fall into the LDC (Least Developed Countries) category;

b. officially participating countries that fall into the SIDS (Small Island Developing States) category;

c. officially participating countries that fall into the LLDC (Landlocked Developing Countries) category;

d. officially participating international organisations.

9.9. More favourable financial conditions may include the following:

i. Rates for general services as described in Article 15 below;

ii. Other necessary conditions for participation;

9.10. These conditions should be explicitly included in the Participation Contract submitted to the BIE for such states or international organisations.

Article 10

Settlement of Disputes

10.1. Any disputes between an Official Participant and, either another Official Participant or the Organiser, will be settled in the following manner:

i. If the dispute concerns the interpretation of the present General Regulations, the Special Regulations, or the Participation Contract, considered in the light of the Convention or the compulsory rules of the BIE, the Steering Committee of the College of Commissioners shall be the arbitrator after having sought, if the case requires it, the opinion of the Chair of the BIE who, with the assistance of the Vice-Chair(s) concerned and the Secretary-General, will issue a recommendation. The Commissioner or the Organiser may also seek the above-mentioned opinion. This decision of the Steering Committee shall be applicable immediately and without right to appeal. During its next session, the General Assembly of the BIE will make known whether it approves the interpretation of the Steering Committee of the College of Commissioners, which will thus constitute a precedent applicable to similar future cases; otherwise, it will indicate the interpretation that should have been given.

ii. If the dispute concerns products exhibited, the Steering Committee shall inform the College of Commissioners, according to Clause 19, Paragraph 3 of the Convention.

iii. If the case must be resolved by the Commissioner according to the provisions of these General

Regulations, any party may demand that advice of the Steering Committee be sought beforehand.

iv. In case of any other dispute, each party can demand arbitration:

a) In the first instance, from the Commissioner alone,

b) in the second instance, from the Commissioner deciding after consultation with the Steering Committee of the College of Commissioners;

c) in the third instance, from the Steering Committee of the College of Commissioners.

The decision will be adopted at the highest level requested by any/either of the parties.

v. The abovementioned decisions must be made within ten days. Otherwise, the dispute – if it falls under Points 1, 3, or 4 above – shall be brought before the College of Commissioners, which will decide within five days.

Otherwise, the request of the party which raised the dispute will be considered unjustified.

PART IV

GENERAL CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION

CHAPTER I – ADMISSION

Article 11

Admission of Items and Exhibition Materials

11.1. Only those items and exhibition materials that are in accordance with the Theme as described in Article 1 hereof and included in the attached list shall be admitted to the Exhibition.

11.2. The origin of these products shall be governed by the provisions of Article 19 of the Convention.

11.3. The procedure for compliance with the Theme shall be described in Special Regulation No. 1, concerning the definition of the Theme and the means of its implementation by the Organiser and the participants, as referred to in Article 34 hereof.

Article 12

Admission of Exhibitors

12.1. The exhibitors in national sections shall be selected by the Section Commissioner and fall under their sole authority.

12.2. Exhibitors who do not fall under any Section shall deal directly with the Organiser, who shall inform the Government of the state of origin of the exhibitor concerned of their intention to participate in the Exhibition as soon as contact is established with such exhibitors.

Article 13

Exhibition Pavilions

13.1. There shall be the following categories of Exhibition pavilions:

a) Theme pavilions devoted to the Theme of the Exhibition falling under the responsibility of the Organiser;

b) Best Practice Area dedicated to the presentation of outstanding achievements, innovations, or best practices in relation to the Theme;

c) National pavilions and pavilions of International Organisations;

d) Multinational or joint pavilions for countries with a common link, or those described in Article

9. B above;

e) Corporate pavilions;

f) Pavilions of non-governmental organisations whose mission is closely linked to the Theme of the Exhibition;

g) There are separate pavilions for exhibitors from several different national sections grouped together through their cultural, ethical, economic, or financial links. Any exhibitor in such pavilions is subject to the authority of the Section Commissioner representing the state of which they are a citizen.

h) Any other types of pavilions in conformity with the Convention and the regulations approved by the BIE.

CHAPTER II

SITES – INSTALLATIONS – CHARGES

Article 14

Exhibition Spaces

14.1. The total usable space which is placed at the disposition of the foreign national sections shall be at least equal to the space allocated to the section of the Republic of Serbia. If, however, the Exhibition space has yet to be fully allocated six months before the Exhibition opening, the Organiser may dispose freely of the unoccupied space.

14.2. No rent will be charged for the spaces allocated to Official Participants.

14.3. Confirmation of the allocation of space to Official Participants shall be subject to the approval of the proposed Theme Statement as specified in Special Regulation No. 1 concerning the definition of the Theme and the mode of its implementation by the Organiser and the participants, referred to in Article 34 hereof.

Article 15

General Services

15.1. The Organiser shall provide electricity, telecommunications, water inlets and outlets, waste removal, etc., at the expense of each participant. Rates charged for such services shall conform to local rates in the City of Belgrade.

15.2. Participants shall be responsible for cleaning, maintenance, waste disposal, and other activities ordinarily required for the operation of their Exhibition space. Should a participant fail to do so, the Organiser shall be authorised to carry out these activities itself and charge all expenses incurred thereby.

15.3. The terms for the provision of general services shall be described in Special Regulations No. 4, relative to the rules concerning construction or improvements and fire protection, No. 5 relating to the regulations pertaining to the installation and operation of machines, apparatuses, and equipment of all types, and No. 10 concerning the provision of general services, as referred to in Article 34 hereof.

Article 16

Buildings and Installations

16.1. No Participant may make any alterations within the Exhibition grounds without the Organiser's prior approval of the project. Earthworks, landscaping, and, generally speaking, all improvements around the buildings must also be approved in advance by the Organiser. Similarly, plans drawn up by the Organiser may not be modified unless the participants concerned are in agreement with or permission has been granted by the Steering Committee of the College of Commissioners.

16.2. Special Regulation No. 4, relative to the rules concerning construction or improvements and fire protection, referred to in Article 34, lists references to the construction and improvement regulations in force at the site where the Exhibition will be held. It also indicates the special conditions that shall apply on the Exhibition grounds, taking into account the temporary nature of the buildings to be erected and the improvements to be made. In addition, participants may request the Commissioner to waive these regulations. In this case, the Commissioner shall either decide the matter or arrange for the competent authorities to make a decision.

16.3. Special Regulation No. 5, relating to the rules concerning the installation and operation of machines, apparatuses, and equipment of all types, referred to in Article 34 hereof, mentions the conditions for the installation and operation of any machines, apparatuses, or equipment which may be used by the participants.

Article 17

Occupation of the Exhibition Spaces

17.1. Exhibition spaces will be handed over to the participants on 1 December 2026, and exhibit placement will be authorised from 1 March 2027.

17.2. Internal or external modifications and final works must be completed prior to 15 April 2027, and the installation of exhibits by 05 May 2027.

17.3. The Exhibition spaces allocated to participants must be vacated and restored to their previous condition by 15 November 2027 at the latest.

Article 18

Exhibits

18.1. No exhibit or any part thereof may be removed from the Exhibition without the permission of the Commissioner.

18.2. If a participant is unable to meet his commitments towards the Organiser, the Commissioner may proceed, at the closing date of the Exhibition and at the participant's cost and risk, with the dismantling, removal, storage, seizure, and sale of the participant's goods located on the Exhibition grounds, with the exclusion of items considered as national heritage; the amount due to the Organiser shall be deducted from the proceeds of such sale.

CHAPTER III

COMMERCIAL AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

Article 19

General Provisions

19.1. Commercial or other activities carried out in the national sections must be authorised in accordance with these General Regulations, the Participation Contract, or by the Commissioner.

An Official Participant may use any of the special benefits granted to other Official Participants.

19.2. Activities from the preceding Paragraph, including electronic commerce, shall fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the relevant Section Commissioner. If these activities give rise to the payment of royalties in accordance with the terms laid down in the Participation Contract, these royalties shall be collected by the Section Commissioner.

19.3. The space devoted to commercial activities accessible to the public must not exceed 20% of the total covered Exhibition Space to ensure that the national presentation complies with the provisions in Article 1.1 of the Convention.

Article 20

Commercial Activities

20.1. In accordance with the conditions set out in Special Regulation No. 9, concerning the conditions under which Official Participants may operate restaurants or sell products, referred to in Article 34 hereof, the Official Participants may open restaurants in which the national food of their country will principally be served.

20.2. In accordance with the conditions laid down in the said Special Regulation No. 9, referred to in Article 34 hereof, subject to the Organiser's approval, Official Participants may sell limited types of products that are truly representative of their country to the public. Such products may be replaced during the course of the Exhibition. This rule also applies to electronic commerce.

20.3. Items exhibited in the national sections, as well as materials used to install presentations, may be sold ready for delivery after the Exhibition closes; by so doing, the exhibitor shall relinquish his right to the benefit of temporary admission in respect of these items and materials and shall be subject to taxation and customs regulations. No dues shall be payable to the Organiser on such sales.

20.4. In the case where the Organiser has granted exclusive commercial rights to certain suppliers for the sale of goods or services, these rights must not be allowed to hinder the commercial activities of the Official Participants, whether these activities are restaurants or the sale of products included in the national sections.

20.5. In granting these rights, the Organiser should observe the principle of non-discrimination between nationals and foreigners avoid all risk of imbalance between the number and nature of concessions, the possible number of visitors and excessive commercialisation leading to a retreat from the objectives of an international exhibition, as established by the BIE.

Article 21

Catering Services for Own Personnel

21.1. Any national section may organise a restaurant and refreshment services for the exclusive use of its own personnel. These activities shall not require the payment of any dues to the Commissioner or the Organiser.

Article 22

Distribution of Free Samples

22.1. Subject to the approval of the Commissioner, Section Commissioners or exhibitors under their authority may distribute free samples of their products or allow them to be tasted free of charge within their own Section.

Article 23

Entertainment, Special Events

23.1. Official Participants may organise shows, special events, presentations or meetings related to the Theme of the Exhibition.

23.2. The conditions for the organisation of events from the previous paragraph shall, in each case, be agreed mutually between the Commissioner, the Organiser, and the Section Commissioner.

Article 24

Publicity

24.1. Participants may place signboards, posters, notices, printed items, and similar materials on their stands or in their pavilions.

24.2. The use of any publicity material outside their stand or pavilion shall be subject to the prior approval of the Commissioner. The Commissioner may require the removal of any such publicity material which has not been approved by them.

24.3. Brochures and leaflets can only be distributed within the section's enclosure.

24.4. All publicity concerning special events, etc., on site must be authorised by the Commissioner.

Noisy advertising is prohibited.

CHAPTER IV

GENERAL SERVICES

Article 25

Customs Regulations

25.1. Special Regulation No. 7, dealing with the regulations governing customs and handling, and any particular rates and charges, as set out in Article 34 hereof, sets out the relevant customs regulations to be applied, where necessary, to goods and items of foreign origin intended for the Exhibition, in accordance with Article 16 of the Convention, its appendix concerning customs and the applicable customs legislation.

25.2. Furthermore, Special Regulation No. 7 shall, in accordance with the Agreement signed between the Republic of Serbia and the BIE, provide for the exemption and/or reimbursement of direct and indirect domestic taxes such as, but not limited to, the Value Added Tax paid by Official Participants in their procurement of goods, works and services in the Republic of Serbia related to the Exhibition.

Article 26

Handling and Customs Operations

26.1. Exhibitors may freely carry out all handling and customs operations. The Organiser shall inform the exhibitors of the service providers it has approved as competent for this purpose and controlled by the Organiser.

26.2. Each exhibitor shall handle its own on-site acceptance of goods, the reshipment of containers, and the inspection of their contents. If exhibitors or their customs representatives are not present when the containers arrive on the Exhibition grounds, the Commissioner can have them warehoused at the expense, risk, and perils of the interested party.

Article 27

Insurance

I. Personal Insurance

A. Compulsory insurance required by the law

i. Work injury insurance:

27.1. In accordance with the current Occupational Health and Safety Act of the Republic of Serbia, each Section Commissioner must insure their personnel and the personnel of their exhibitors against accidents at work/on-site in accordance with the conditions laid down in Special Regulation No.

8, concerning insurance, referred to in Article 34 hereof.

ii. Motor third-party liability insurance:

27.2. In accordance with the current Act on Compulsory Traffic Insurance of the Republic of Serbia, all vehicles belonging to a national section, its members, its employees, its exhibitors, and, more generally, any person coming under the authority of a Section Commissioner in any capacity must be insured against the damage they may cause to third parties under the conditions laid down by Special Regulation No. 8, referred to in Article 34 hereof.

iii. Professional liability insurance:

27.3. In accordance with the current Act on Planning and Construction of the Republic of Serbia, each Section Commissioner must ensure that each and every of the contractors hired has valid insurance against professional liability in accordance with the conditions laid down in Special Regulation No. 8, referred to in Article 34 hereof.

B. Compulsory insurance required by these General Regulations

i. Civil liability:

27.4. The Organiser shall take out a group policy covering the risks involving its civil responsibility, as listed in Special Regulation No. 8 referred to in Article 34. This insurance policy, which shall be taken out with the insurance company offering the most favourable terms, shall come into force on 1 December 2026 and expire on 15 November 2027.

27.5. All Official Participants may choose whether to take out coverage from this group policy or to provide evidence that they have taken out a policy with another insurance company approved by the Commissioner covering the same risks.

II. Insurance of goods

i. Goods belonging to the Government of the Republic of Serbia or the Organiser:

27.6. Insurance of goods (buildings, furnishings, equipment, and other items) against theft, deterioration, or destruction shall be the sole responsibility of the owner and may not be passed on to an official participant, even if the official participant uses these goods on a permanent or temporary basis.

ii. Goods belonging to Official Participants:

27.7. Insurance of goods (buildings, furnishings, equipment, and other items) against the risks of theft, deterioration, or destruction shall be the sole responsibility of the owner of these goods.

27.8. The Commissioner, the Organiser, Section Commissioners, and their exhibitors mutually waive any claim which they may be entitled to against each other arising from any material damage caused by fire or other emergencies. Such a claim would not be waived in the case of fraud and/or intentional breach of obligations and/or gross negligence by the other party.

27.9. This waiver should take effect automatically for each Section Commissioner as of the effective date of their Participation Contract. All insurance contracts relating to the insurance of buildings, furnishings, equipment, and any other items belonging to the persons mentioned in the previous Paragraph, whether they take the form of a group insurance contract or a separate insurance contract, must explicitly mention this waiver, which shall also be mentioned in the Participation Contract.

III. Optional Insurances

27.10. The Organiser can provide assistance to Participants who wish to take out additional insurance against other risks.

Article 28

Surveillance/Security

28.1. In accordance with the conditions laid down in Special Regulation No. 10 referred to in Article 34, the Organiser shall set up an overall security system to maintain order and security, prevent violations of the law, and enforce rules.

28.2. Section Commissioners may organise special surveillance of their respective sections under the conditions laid down in the Special Regulation mentioned above.

Article 29

Catalogue

29.1. Each participant shall cooperate with the Organiser regarding all publication, production, and communication of materials used to promote the Exhibition. The contents of such materials must have received the approval of the Commissioners of the Section concerned.

29.2. The Commissioner of each Section shall be entitled to have printed and published, at their own expense, an official catalogue of the items on display in their Section.

Article 30

Admissions to the Site

30.1. The conditions of admission are laid down by Special Regulation No. 13 concerning the regulations governing admissions referred to in Article 34 hereof.

30.2. The Organiser, with the agreement of the Commissioner, shall determine the entrance fees for the Exhibition.

30.3. No other entrance fee may be charged inside the Exhibition without the approval of the BIE.

30.4. Complimentary tickets, accreditation cards, or passes for Official and Non-Official Participants, exhibitors, concessionaires, their personnel, and their vehicles shall be issued in accordance with the conditions laid down in Special Regulation No. 13.

CHAPTER V

PATENT RIGHTS AND COPYRIGHTS

Article 31

31.1. Special Regulation No. 11, referred to in Article 34, on the protection of patent rights and copyrights shall specify:

i. The position of the Republic of Serbia with regard to:

▪ Berne Convention on the Protection of Works of Art and Literature as of 9 October 1886;

▪ Geneva Convention on Author's Rights as of 6 September 1952;

▪ Paris Convention on the Protection of Industrial Property as of 20 March 1883.

ii. Reference to the applicable laws of the Republic of Serbia;

iii. Special measures taken regarding the Exhibition (if any).

31.2. Security personnel shall be instructed not to allow anyone to draw, copy, measure, photograph, etc., items on display in the Exhibition with a profit-making aim without the written permission of the exhibitor.

Article 32

Photographic or Other Images of the Exhibition

32.1. The reproduction and sale of photographs or other images of the pavilions of each official participant must be approved by the Section Commissioner concerned. However, the Organiser reserves the right to authorise the reproduction and sale of photographic or other images of the Exhibition. Participants may not object to such reproduction or sale.

CHAPTER VI

AWARDS

Article 33

Awards

33.1. Pursuant to Articles 23 and 24 of the Convention, the judging and ranking in order of merit of the exhibitions of the national sections shall be entrusted to one or more international juries whose rules of operation shall be laid down in Special Regulation No. 14, concerning conditions governing the attributing of awards, referred to in Article 34 hereof.

33.2. If a national section has decided not to take part in the competition, the Section's Commissioner shall inform the Commissioner accordingly.

CHAPTER VII

SPECIAL REGULATIONS

Article 34

List of Regulations and Time Schedules

34.1. The Government of the Republic of Serbia shall submit the drafts of the Special Regulations to the BIE for approval. These Regulations shall, in particular, concern:

1. The definition of the Theme and the mode of its implementation by the Organiser and the participants;

2. The conditions for the participation of States, international organisations, and private exhibitors in the Internationally Recognised Exhibition 2027 BELGRADE;

3. The rules of procedure of the Steering Committee of the College of Commissioners;

4. The rules concerning construction or improvements and fire protection;

5. The rules concerning the installation and operation of machines, apparatuses, and equipment of all types;

6. The accommodation facilities for the personnel of the Official Participants;

7. The regulations governing customs and handling and any particular rates and charges;

8. Insurance;

9. The conditions under which Official Participants may operate restaurants or carry out sales;

10. The provision of general services:

a) health and hygiene;

b) surveillance and security;

c) water, electricity, heating, air-conditioning, etc.

d) telecommunications.

11. The rules governing the protection of intellectual property rights – these rules must specify that each Section Commissioner shall have the right to non-lucrative use of the title, logo, and other symbols of the Exhibition free of charge;

12. The privileges and advantages of Section Commissioners and their staff;

13. The rules governing admissions – these rules must, in particular, specify the facilities granted to the Section Commissioners;

14. The conditions governing the attributing of awards, if applicable.

34.2. The Special Regulations listed under points 1 to 10 above shall be submitted at least two years (2 years) before the date of the opening of the Exhibition. The Special Regulations listed under points 11 to 14 above shall be submitted at least one (1) year prior to the opening of the Exhibition.

34.3. These Regulations shall be communicated to the Steering Committee of the College of Commissioners as soon as it has been formed. The Steering Committee will study them and inform the BIE of its observations.

34.4. All other directives which the Organiser may lay down for the Exhibition shall come into force only after being examined by the Steering Committee of the College of Commissioners.

34.5. Despite the deadline set for the approval of the Special Regulations listed above, the Organiser shall provide the participants with the information needed to assess the participation costs in advance.

PART V

SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR CONCESSIONAIRES

Article 35

35.1. Provisions of these rules shall apply to concessionaires with the exception of those rules which only concern Official Participants, as follows:

i. Articles 6, 7, 9 and 10;

ii. Chapter I of Section IV;

iii. Article 14;

iv. Chapter III of Section IV, with the exception of Article 24;

v. Chapter IV of Section IV, with the exception of Article 27, II (C), and Chapter VI of Section IV;

vi. The Special Regulations referred to in Article 34 under the numbers 1, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, and 14.

35.2. The other conditions for participation shall be laid down in the Participation Contract. They shall comply with the provisions of Articles 17, 18, and 19 of the Convention.

Article 36

36.1. Natural or legal persons whose countries are officially participating in the Exhibition shall only be admitted as concessionaires subject to the agreement of the Section Commissioner of their country of origin, who may establish special conditions for their admission.

PART VI

INDEMNITIES IN CASE OF CANCELLATION OF THE EXHIBITION

Article 37

37.1. In case of the renunciation of the Exhibition organisation, the Organiser must compensate those countries who have accepted to participate, for expenses incurred and are duly justified, arising directly from their participation in the Exhibition.

37.2. Nevertheless, no compensation shall be due if the cancellation is caused by force majeure due to a natural disaster considered as such by the General Assembly at the recommendation of the Executive Committee.

37.3. Indemnities shall be set by the General Assembly, whose decision will be final at the proposition of the Executive Committee, which will have considered the claim, the documents, and evidence supplied by the Republic of Serbia, the Organiser, and all other parties involved.

Article 38

38.1. In addition, the Organiser shall compensate the BIE for the loss corresponding to the Royalty of the Gate Money in an amount established by the General Assembly at the proposition of the Administration and Budget Committee, guaranteeing 2% of the gate money, pursuant to Article 6 hereof.

Article 39

39.1. The Organiser undertakes to meet the obligations defined in Articles 37 and 38 hereof, which shall be guaranteed by the Government of the Republic of Serbia requesting the recognition of the Exhibition.

39.2. The maximum amount of the above indemnities shall be set before the recognition of the Exhibition by an agreement between the BIE, the Organiser, and the Republic of Serbia.

39.3. These obligations shall form a part of the required documentation for recognition.