Time Limits for Entering National/Regional Phase under PCT Chapters I and II

(in months from priority date)
(status on 7 June 2022)

Note that detailed information on the excusing of delays in meeting time limits before certain designated/elected Offices is contained in the corresponding National Chapters of the PCT Applicant’s Guide.

1. If designated/elected for a European patent, see EP as DO/EO for the applicable time limits.
2. If designated/elected for a Eurasian patent, see EA as designated/elected Office (DO/EO) for the applicable time limits.
3. In the absence of information from the Office concerned, the time limits shown are those which would normally apply under PCT Articles 22(1) and 39(1)(a).  If the Office decides to apply longer time limits, that information will be published in the PCT Newsletter.
4. This Office acts as DO/EO for the following State which does not act in the capacity of DO/EO:  SZ.
5. This time limit may be extended provided that the applicant pays an additional fee for late entry into the national phase (see national phase for details).
6. If designated/elected for an ARIPO patent, see AP as DO/EO for the applicable time limits.
7. May be extended upon written request of the applicant. 
8. Time limit applicable if applicant pays an additional fee for late entry into the national phase (see national phase for details: CA, CN, PH, TR).
9. This Office acts as DO/EO for the following State which does not act in the capacity of DO/EO:  LI.
10. This Office acts as DO/EO for the following States which do not act in the capacity of DO/EO:  BE, CY, FR, GR, IE, LT, LV, MC, MT, NL, SI, SM.
11. This Office has notified the International Bureau of the non-applicability of the 30-month time limit under PCT Article 22(1), as modified with effect from 1 April 2002 – it does not yet apply the 30-month time limit for entering the national phase.
12. This Office acts as DO/EO for the following States which do not act in the capacity of DO/EO:  BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, KM, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG.
13. The time limit may be extended by 30 days if the applicant pays an additional fee for late entry into the national phase.
14. The time limit may be extended by up to 18 months provided the applicant pays the prescribed fee (see national phase for details).
15. Up to 12 months after the 30-month deadline (30 months from the priority date) the applicant can request reinstatement of rights provided that he/she pays the fee for reinstatement of rights and meets the other requirements outlined in subsection 154(3) of the Canadian Patent Rules for the reinstatement of rights (late entry into the national phase).
16. For international applications filed on or after 1 July 2020.