The United States-Israel Free Trade Area (FTA) agreement took effect September 1, 1985 and is designed to stimulate trade between the United States and Israel. The agreement, which has no expiration date, provides for the elimination of duties for merchandise from Israel entering the United States. As of January 1, 1995, all eligible reduced rate imports from Israel were accorded duty-free treatment. The FTA does allow the two countries to protect sensitive agricultural subsectors with nontariff barriers including import bans, quotas, and fees.