Database

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ARMENIA

N/A

Pillar Intermediary liability  |  Indicator Safe harbour for intermediaries for copyright infringement
Lack of intermediary liability framework in place for copyright infringements
A basic legal framework on intermediary liability for copyright infringement is absent in Armenia's law and jurisprudence.
Coverage Internet intermediaries

ARMENIA

N/A

Pillar Intermediary liability  |  Indicator Safe harbour for intermediaries for any activity other than copyright infringement
Lack of intermediary liability framework in place beyond copyright infringement
A basic legal framework on intermediary liability beyond copyright infringement is absent in Armenia's law and jurisprudence.
Coverage Internet intermediaries

ARMENIA

Reported in 2021, last reported in 2025

Pillar Intermediary liability  |  Indicator User identity requirement
Identity requirement for SIM cards
It is reported that Armenia's approach to SIM registration requires mobile network operators to collect and store a user's personal information and proof of identity. The relevant legislation could not be found.
Coverage Horizontal

ARMENIA

Since July 2020

Pillar Content access  |  Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Law on Audiovisual Media
Under Art. 1 of the Law on Audiovisual Media, Over-the-Top (OTT) operators distributing audiovisual information via network operator infrastructure or the Internet are considered network operators. Network operators are, in turn, subject to licensing under Art. 45(1)(3), while Arts. 47–49 regulate the application, issuance, and operation of the network operator licence.
Coverage Over-the-Top (OTT) operators

ARMENIA

Since April 2015, last amended in August 2025
Since May 2015, last amended in November 2025

Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services  |  Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Decision No. 30 of the Eurasian Economic Commission Board "On Measures of Non-tariff regulation" (Решение Коллегии Евразийской экономической комиссии от 21 апреля 2015 г. N 30 "О мерах нетарифного регулирования")

Decision No. 1524-N of 25 December 2014 on Approving the Lists of Goods Prohibited and Subject to Restrictions for Transfer Through the Customs Territory of the Republic of Armenia, Establishing Authorised Bodies and Approving the Framework Procedure for Issuing Licences and Permits for Export and/or Import of Goods (Ո Ր Ո Շ ՈՒ Մ 25 դեկտեմբերի 2014 թվականի N 1524-Ն ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ՀԱՆՐԱՊԵՏՈՒԹՅԱՆ ՄԱՔՍԱՅԻՆ ՏԱՐԱԾՔՈՎ ՓՈԽԱԴՐՄԱՆ ՀԱՄԱՐ ԱՐԳԵԼՎԱԾ ԵՎ ՍԱՀՄԱՆԱՓԱԿՈՒՄՆԵՐԻ ԵՆԹԱԿԱ ԱՊՐԱՆՔՆԵՐԻ ՑԱՆԿԵՐԸ ՀԱՍՏԱՏԵԼՈՒ, ԼԻԱԶՈՐ ՄԱՐՄԻՆՆԵՐ ՍԱՀՄԱՆԵԼՈՒ ԵՎ ԱՊՐԱՆՔՆԵՐԻ ԱՐՏԱՀԱՆՄԱՆ ԵՎ (ԿԱՄ) ՆԵՐՄՈՒԾՄԱՆ ԼԻՑԵՆԶԻԱՆԵՐԻ ՈՒ ԹՈՒՅԼՏՎՈՒԹՅՈՒՆՆԵՐԻ ՏՐԱՄԱԴՐՄԱՆ ՇՐՋԱՆԱԿԱՅԻՆ ԿԱՐԳԸ ՀԱՍՏԱՏԵԼՈՒ ՄԱՍԻՆ)
Appendix No. 2 to the Decision No. 30 of the Eurasian Economic Commission Board "On Measures of Non-tariff regulation" sets out the Union-wide list of goods restricted for import into the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), including Armenia. The list includes, among others, (i) radio-electronic and high-frequency equipment for civilian use—devices for transmitting or receiving voice, images, or data (e.g., headings in HS 8471, 8517–8519, 8521, 8525–8528, 8531, and certain Chapter 90 items); (ii) systems and receivers for technical radio monitoring and for detecting sources of electromagnetic emissions (e.g., HS 8526–8527); and (iii) encryption (cryptographic) means, including computing machines and parts with cryptographic functions, computer devices incorporating encryption, and standalone cryptographic software (selected subheadings of HS 8471/8473 and 8523).
In addition, Armenia’s Decision No. 1524-N of 25 December 2014 approves the national list of goods subject to restrictions and links these categories to the relevant annexes of EAEU Board Decision No. 30 of 21 April 2015. In the Armenian text, section 2.16 covers radio-electronic and/or high-frequency devices for civil use, section 2.17 covers special technical means for obtaining confidential information, and section 2.19 covers encryption or cryptographic means.
Coverage Telecom and cryptographic equipment

ARMENIA

Reported in 2021, last reported in 2025

Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services  |  Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Lack of transparency in customs procedures
Businesses in Armenia reportedly face a lack of clarity in requirements such as import licensing and customs procedures, particularly since the country’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the adoption of the EAEU Customs Code. The unpredictable and inconsistent application of customs rules is perceived as a barrier to trade. Both local and foreign business representatives note that cumbersome, ambiguous legislation, combined with inconsistent implementation, continues to pose significant obstacles to dealings with customs authorities. This situation has historically fostered an environment in which facilitation payments or bribes have been solicited.
Coverage Horizontal

ARMENIA

Since April 2015, last amended in August 2025

Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services  |  Indicator Export restrictions on ICT goods or online services
Decision No. 30 of the Eurasian Economic Commission Board "On Measures of Non-tariff regulation" (Решение Коллегии Евразийской экономической комиссии от 21 апреля 2015 г. N 30 "О мерах нетарифного регулирования")
Appendix No. 2 to the Decision No. 30 of the Eurasian Economic Commission Board "On Measures of Non-tariff regulation" sets out the Union-wide list of goods restricted for export from the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), including Armenia. The list includes, among others, (i) radio-electronic and high-frequency equipment for civilian use—devices for transmitting or receiving voice, images, or data (e.g., headings in HS 8471, 8517–8519, 8521, 8525–8528, 8531, and certain Chapter 90 items); (ii) systems and receivers for technical radio monitoring and for detecting sources of electromagnetic emissions (e.g., HS 8526–8527); and (iii) encryption (cryptographic) means, including computing machines and parts with cryptographic functions, computer devices incorporating encryption, and standalone cryptographic software (selected subheadings of HS 8471/8473 and 8523).
Coverage Telecom and cryptographic equipment

ARMENIA

Since April 2010, last amended in July 2025
Since December 2011, last amended in November 2021
Since May 2023, last amended in November 2025

Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services  |  Indicator Export restrictions on ICT goods or online services
Law on Control over the Export of Dual-Use Goods, their Transit through the Territory of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the Transfer of Dual-Use Information and Results of Intellectual Activity (Հայաստանի Հանրապետության օրենքը երկակի նշանակության ապրանքների արտահանման, Հայաստանի Հանրապետության տարածքով դրանց տարանցիկ փոխադրման, ինչպես նաև երկակի նշանակության տեղեկատվության և մտավոր գործունեության արդյունքների փոխանցման նկատմամբ հսկողության մասին)

Decree 1785-N of 2011 On Approval of the Lists of Controlled Goods of Interchangeable Value, as well as Information and Results of Intellectual Activity of Interchangeable Value, Exported from the Republic of Armenia and Transported through the Territory of the Republic of Armenia, and on Recognizing as Void the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia No. 822-N of July 6, 2007 (Հայաստանի Հանրապետության կառավարություն որոշում 15 դեկտեմբերի 2011 թվականի N 1785-Ն Հայաստանի Հանրապետությունից արտահանվող և Հայաստանի Հանրապետության տարածքով տարանցիկ փոխադրվող երկակի նշանակության՝ վերահսկվող ապրանքների, ինչպես նաև փոխանցվող երկակի նշանակության տեղեկատվության և մտավոր գործունեության արդյունքների՝ վերահսկվող ոչ նյութական արժեքների ցուցակները հաստատելու և Հայաստանի Հանրապետության կառավարության 2007 թվականի հուլիսի 6-ի N 822 որոշումը ուժը կորցրած ճանաչելու մասին)

Decree No. 808-N of 2023 On Approval of the List of Sensitive Goods Exported from the Republic of Armenia and Transported through the Territory of the Republic of Armenia (Հայաստանի Հանրապետության կառավարություն որոշում 25 մայիսի 2023 թվականի N 808-Ն Հայաստանի Հանրապետությունից արտահանվող և Հայաստանի Հանրապետության տարածքով տարանցիկ փոխադրվող զգայուն ապրանքների ցուցակը հաստատելու մասին)
According to Art. 9 of the Law “On Control over the Export of Dual-Use Goods, their Transit through the Territory of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the Transfer of Dual-Use Information and Results of Intellectual Activity,” exports of controlled goods and transfers of controlled intangible assets are carried out on the basis of one-time, individual, or general permits issued by the Ministry of Economy. The restricted items are set out in Decree No. 1785-N of 15 December 2011 (approving the list of controlled dual-use goods) and Decree No. 808-N of 25 May 2023 (approving the list of sensitive goods).
Decree 1785-N includes categories such as electronics, computers, and telecommunications and information security, including goods such as vector and digital signal processors, high-performance digital computers or electronic assemblies, telecommunications systems/equipment, and certain cryptographic items. Decree No. 808-N covers other specific goods, including data-processing units and other computer equipment (HS 8471), base stations and switching/routing equipment (HS 8517.61/.62/.69), digital cameras (HS 8525.89), antennas (HS 8529.10), printed circuits (HS 8534), semiconductor devices (HS 8541), and integrated circuits (HS 8542).
Coverage Dual and sensitive goods including telecom equipment and computer parts

ARMENIA

Since June 2015, entry into force in July 2015, last amended in December 2025

Pillar Cross-border data policies  |  Indicator Conditional flow regime
Law of the Republic of Armenia No. ZR-49 about personal data protection (Հայաստանի Հանրապետության HO‑49‑N համարով օրենք՝ Անձնական տվյալների պաշտպանության մասին)
Under Art. 27 of Law No. ZR-49, personal data may be transferred to another country with the data subject’s consent or where such transfer is necessary for, or arises from, the purposes of processing personal data. Transfers may occur without the Agency’s authorisation if the destination state ensures an adequate level of data protection, either through compliance with ratified international treaties or inclusion in a list published by the competent authority, which the Personal Data Protection Agency (PDPA) must review and update at least annually; as of July 2024, this list includes, among others, all EU Member States and the United States. Transfers to states lacking adequate protection require prior authorisation from the Agency, based on an agreement containing safeguards approved by the Agency as ensuring adequate protection. To obtain such authorisation, the data processor must submit a written application to the PDPA specifying the destination country, recipient details, a description of the personal data, the purposes of processing and transfer, and the relevant contract or draft contract.
Coverage Horizontal

ARMENIA

N/A

Pillar Cross-border data policies  |  Indicator Participation in trade agreements committing to open cross-border data flows
Lack of participation in agreements with binding commitments on data flows
Armenia has not joined any agreement with binding commitments to open transfers of data across borders.
Coverage Horizontal

ARMENIA

Since March 2021, last amended in December 2025

Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)  |  Indicator Practical or legal restrictions related to the application process for patents
Law of the Republic of Armenia on Patents (Հայաստանի Հանրապետության օրենքը գյուտերի, օգտակար մոդելների և արդյունաբերական նմուշների մասին)
According to Art. 6 of the Law on Patents of the Republic of Armenia, foreign natural persons and organisations enjoy the same rights and bear the same liabilities as citizens and organisations of Armenia, in line with international treaties or the principle of reciprocity.
Under Art. 80.1, those without a permanent residence or an effective industrial or commercial establishment in Armenia must act through a representative before the state-authorised body, unless otherwise provided by international treaties. However, Art. 80.3 allows foreign applicants to proceed without a representative if they provide a postal or electronic address in Armenia for correspondence. If neither a representative nor a local address is provided, the authority grants three months to comply, after which, under Art. 80.5, the application is deemed withdrawn.
Formal registration is reportedly straightforward and clear; the database of registered IPR is public, and applications to register IPR are published online for 2 months for third-party comment.
Coverage Horizontal

ARMENIA

Since June 2015, entry into force in July 2015, last amended in December 2025

Pillar Domestic data policies  |  Indicator Framework for data protection
Law of the Republic of Armenia No. ZR-49 about personal data protection (Հայաստանի Հանրապետության HO‑49‑N համարով օրենք՝ Անձնական տվյալների պաշտպանության մասին)
Law No. 49-ZR establishes a comprehensive data protection regime in Armenia, applicable to both public and private entities. It imposes obligations on data controllers, such as notifying data processing activities and reporting data breaches, but does not require the appointment of a data protection officer or the conduct of data protection impact assessments. Data subjects are granted only limited rights, and the Personal Data Protection Agency provides oversight under the Ministry of Justice. Additionally, several sector-specific laws impose tailored data protection obligations, including the Law on Medical Care and Services to the Population, the Law on Electronic Communications, the Law on Advocacy, the Law on Freedom of Information, the Law on Banking Secrecy, the Law on Circulation of Credit Information and Activities of Credit Bureaus, the Law on Insurance and Insurance Activity, the Law on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, the Labour Code, the Code on Administrative Offences, and the Criminal Code.
Coverage Horizontal

ARMENIA

Since December 1991

Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)  |  Indicator Participation in the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
Armenia is a party to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Coverage Horizontal

ARMENIA

Since June 2006, last amended in September 2013

Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)  |  Indicator Copyright law with clear exceptions
Law of the Republic of Armenia on Copyright and Related Rights (Հայաստանի Հանրապետության օրենքը հեղինակային իրավունքի և հարակից իրավունքների մասին)
Armenia has a copyright regime under the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Copyright and Related Rights. However, the exceptions do not follow the fair use or fair dealing model, thereby limiting the lawful use of copyrighted works by others. Arts. 22–26 and 36 set out the exceptions, including quotation for research or informational purposes, educational use, private non-commercial reproduction of works (with certain exclusions), and short-term recordings by broadcasting organisations, among others.
It has been reported that a new Law on Copyright has been drafted and submitted for the government’s approval, although the legal text is not publicly available online.
Coverage Horizontal

ARMENIA

Reported in 2022, last reported in 2025

Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)  |  Indicator Enforcement of copyright online
Lack of adequate enforcement of copyright online
Although Armenian legislation provides protection for intellectual property rights (IPR), enforcement remains challenging. It is reported that in 2023, Armenia had the highest rate of unlicensed software in the region, at 79%, followed by the Republic of Moldova (77%) and Belarus (76%). While the Armenian government has made some progress in addressing IPR issues, further strengthening of enforcement mechanisms is reportedly necessary.
Coverage Horizontal

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